Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has explained why Maik Nawrocki started for his side on Saturday.
The central defender was surprisingly thrust in against Rangers a fortnight ago and kept his place in the team for Heart of Midlothian's visit to Parkhead over the weekend.
Similarly to his derby display, Nawrocki was adequate in his performance against Neil Critchley's men as Celtic came away comfortable 3-0 victors.
Pre-match, Rodgers explained why the Pole kept his place in the starting lineup, with the fitness of Liam Scales and Auston Trusty a key factor.
Read more:
-
Watch moment Victor Wanyama is sent off on nightmare Dunfermline debut
-
Brentford boss offers defence of Kasper Schmeichel after 'bloodthirsty' criticism
He said [BBC Sportsound]: "I do always prefer where I can a left-footed centre-half on that side, in all honesty because that allows you to get through the pitch quicker and have more speed playing forward.
"But Scalesy can’t play, and Auston [Trusty] isn’t quite ready yet. I’ve got no problems playing Maik.
"I think people forget that you can only play 11 players.
"For a lot of our season, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Liam Scales have been outstanding. So, it’s been very, very hard for Maik.
"What you’ve got to give him huge credit for is every single day in training his mentality to work, his endeavour, the responsibility he’s taken to work and be the best he can be.
"So, if the opportunity comes and he has to come into a game like the Rangers game and perform like he did, that’s a real testament to his professionalism and his mentality. He’s done really well, he’s had a couple of weeks, and then we will see."
Celtic travel to face St Johnstone next weekend as they look to get the first of three wins required to secure a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.
