There has been some concern amongst Celtic fans this morning after the club released their latest training video ahead of Saturday’s Glasgow derby against ‘Rangers’.
Reo Hatate has been injured for the past couple of weeks and Greg Taylor hobbled off the pitch against Ross County at the weekend.
Manager Ange Postecoglou seemed confident both would be ok for this weekend’s game, but eagle eyed hoops supporters noticed both players were nowhere to be seen in the five minute long training ground video, leading to speculation they were both still injured and could miss the derby game.
The news prompted Celtic fan Kevin to call up Clyde Superscoreboard tonight to put his point to the panel (Dalziel and Wilson) about which one of the two, would be the bigger miss for Celtic this weekend:
“This is probably going to sound a bit strange, but I think Taylor is more important, because I think we’ve got enough in midfield to cope with Rangers.” noted Kevin.
“I think we’re that far in front of Rangers in midfield that we’ll be alright for cover, but Taylor has been absolutely excellent this season, so he’ll be the biggest miss I think, just experience wise.”
Wilson then tended to agree with Kevin’s point, stating:
“Oh, it’s a big call. Hatate for me has been up there for the ‘player of the season’.”
“But I get what Kevin means, there’s quality to come in and replace Hatate in there, Celtic are pretty strong in that area.”
“But I get his argument. Taylor, remember, went off at Ibrox, Celtic were firmly on top at that point and then the wheels kind of came off a wee bit and Rangers got joy down that side.”
“Juranovic came on, played there and had a nightmare and he (Taylor) was a big miss that day.”
“The way Taylor’s been playing is excellent. So, if you’re substituting him for Bernabei, I think that’s an area, that Michael Beale looks at, and if Taylor’s missing, would be an area that you’d highlight in your team-talk and say ‘we can get at Celtic down that side’.”
“So, I get Kevin’s argument that Celtic have got strength in numbers in the midfield area, whereas the backup, even though Bernabei scores a terrific goal on Sunday, the backup for left-back isn’t quite as strong.”
Gordon Dalziel however, seemed to think that Hatate would be the bigger miss for Celtic:
“Great debate.” stated Dalziel.
“I like Bernabei. I know that he’s still a bit short just now, but he would go into the game full of confidence after coming off the bench at Ross County and scoring a terrific goal that puts the game to bed.”
“I just think Hatate is such a key player for Celtic.”
“I think he’s the kind of guy in these games that can dominate the game.”
“I think Greg Taylor’s been terrific for Celtic. I take on board that he would be a massive miss, but, if it was me, I would probably want Hatate in my side on Saturday.”
Both players would definitely by big misses for Celtic, because they are both quality players and the pair of them have been in excellent form throughout the season.
Let me know if the comments who you think would be the bigger miss.
