Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Celtic squad revealed as Nir Bitton in mix for vital Rangers role to unleash Callum McGregor

For Ange Postecoglou the Scottish Premiership title is within touching distance.

A win over Rangers will Celtic nine points clear with a far superior goal difference going into the final three fixtures.

But ahead of kick-off the Australian has some big decisions to make over his starting line-up at Celtic Park.

Midfielder Nir Bitton will be available having returned to training following a fitness issue.

His derby day experience could be vital, and he could offer support to the defence against a the prospect of a Rangers front two amid the absence of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.

Josip Juranovic remains on the sidelines with the injury he picked up in the recent Scottish Cup defeat at Hampden.

Nir Bitton returns to the Celtic squad against Rangers (SNS Group)

Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgios Giakoumakis are dominating the debate among fans with one set to be given the nod to lead the line.

Predicted Celtic XI

Nir Bitton looks set to return to the side and could play the holding role in the midfield, freeing up captain Callum McGregor against Rangers.

Anthony Ralston is the obvious choice at right-back in the absence of Josip Juranovic.

With Kyogo struggling to make an impact at Hampden, Postecoglou could go with Giorgios Giakoumakis as he key frontman.

Provisional Celtic squad

Vasilis Barkas

Joe Hart

Scott Bain

Christopher Jullien

Stephen Welsh

Dane Murray

Greg Taylor

Carl Starfelt

Liam Scales

Nir Bitton

Callum McGregor

Giorgos Giakoumakis

Liel Abada

Ismaila Soro

Tom Rogic

Karamoko Dembele

Yousuke Ideguchi

Matt O'Riley

David Turnbull

Anthony Ralston

James McCarthy

Jota

Mikey Johnston

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Reo Hatate

Daizen Maeda

Kyogo Furuhashi

James Forrest

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.