Jackie MacNamara has told Neil Lennon it's time to start giving fringe stars such as David Turnbull and Ismaila Soro a real chance in the first team.
Celtic have managed just two wins in their last 12 matches but the boss has continued to stick with his tried and tested talent.
Manager Lennon has frustrated fans with his persistence with the likes of Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham in midfield, while Turnbull and Soro have been limited to cameo appearances.
Turnbull, signed from Motherwell to much acclaim in the summer, made a difference when he came off the bench against St Johnstone at the weekend, but has started just once for the Hoops in all competitions.
Soro, meanwhile, hasn't just four appearances in all competitions and all came from the bench.
Lennon has hinted that Turnbull in particular must 'be fitter' before he is given more of a chance.
But McNamara is not convinced. He reckons it's about time the duo were given a chance to cement their places in the Parkhead first team.
“I don’t get how they can’t be fit. I can get it if they’ve not played a lot of games in terms of sharpness – sharpness is different," he told fan site 67HailHail.
"We’ve been playing two games a week and we have done for a number of weeks. Thursday was a great opportunity to play one or two players to get them games, and this Thursday is as well.
“I’d like to see David Turnbull. His first game he looked good. His second game not so good in terms of it wasn’t a flowing game.
"But when he came on (on Sunday) he put a good ball through to Griffiths – he’s got good vision and sometimes in these games you need someone who has that pass.
“But Soro I’ve not seen much of him. I’d like to see if he can step in when Brown is injured, suspended – whenever.
"You need to give these guys an opportunity to see if they can handle the pressure. See if they can step in and take the jersey.”
