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Glasgow Live
Sport
Will Lancaster

Ange Postecoglou warns Celtic stars starting spots aren't guaranteed with St Johnstone shake-up expected

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has admitted that he will make wholesale changes for the game against St Johnstone on Christmas Eve - with the Hoops' fringe players likely to get the nod for the visit of Callum Davidson's men as a result.

Celtic sit nine points clear at the top of the league table, though that could be reduced to just six on Friday evening when Rangers travel to Dingwall to face Ross County. The Hoops are aiming for their 11th Scottish Premiership title from a possible 12 attempts, and should their form this season continue in the manner it has been, they will win the title at a canter.

However, with fixtures coming thick and fast over the Christmas period, Postecoglou is aware that fatigue can play a huge part in the downfall of a club's season - and will reward his patient players who haven't had much game time this season with a cameo against St Johnstone at Celtic Park.

READ MORE: Rangers vs Celtic referee named as Willie Collum takes charge of VAR for Ibrox Old Firm derby

“Yeah, I think that's fair, based on how busy (it is) but also on performance," Postecoglou said when asked if he would change his team. If guys aren't performing to the levels we know they can, there are some pretty good players that are not getting some game time. They are training hard and that's why we have got a squad.

"You have to reward that at some point. That coupled with the fact we do have a busy schedule we will make some changes for the St Johnstone game because it will be a tough game for us.

"Callum is an excellent coach and he has them well organised and well drilled. We know every time we play them it's a challenge, and it will be on Saturday."

Josip Juranovic will likely still not be back in contention after reaching the World Cup third-placed play-off last Saturday, meaning Anthony Ralston is expected to start in his berth.

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