Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is ready to throw Josip Juranovic straight into the Old Firm derby at Ibrox after his World Cup exploits.
The Croatia defender, whose future is uncertain at Parkhead following his performances in Qatar, is set to start against Rangers. Juranovic was a key player for the Croats as they reached the World Cup semi-finals and won the bronze medal.
He has been constantly linked with a move away from Celtic since his return, with several top clubs in Europe showing an interest. But, even with new right-back Alistair Johnston now available, Postecoglou has hinted that Juranovic will get the nod for Ibrox, with Reo Hatate moving back into midfield. He made his debut there in the fixture last August and his gaffer said: “Josip was ready on Wednesday night against Hibs but had only been with us for a day. I felt it would have been a bit unfair just to throw him in.
“If I did, he’d have been ready and willing, no problem. So he’s ready to go now and has trained the last few days so there are no issues with him for Monday. It’s fair to say we’ll move Reo forward again. He’s done awfully well for us in the last two games. He hasn’t just filled in, he’s actually excelled in that role.
“But he’s definitely a midfielder for us. That’s where he is most effective and does his best work. Having Josip back and Alistair available certainly eases that right-back issue for us.”
As well as Johnston, Postecoglou also has new Japanese defender Yuki Kobayashi available for Ibrox. And he added to his squad further last week with another new recruit, midfielder Tomoki Iwata, who will arrive from Yokhama Marinos.
The manager hasn’t ruled out more additions in the January transfer window but admits, after getting three in the door, there is now no rush to bring more bodies in.
He said: “When you’re doing business in January, particularly in Europe, then it’s very hard to get it done early.
“Most clubs you’re dealing with try to drag it out to the last day. So you are missing out on a month of football. The Asian leagues all finish up in October or November.
“So if you have an interest there, it means you can do your business before the January window opens. That allows players to come in and contribute.
“Tomoki is not in the country yet. We’re hoping he’ll be here early next week and then he will probably need a couple of weeks of work. Hopefully by the end of the month he’ll be ready. There is no great urgency now for more signings. I’m really pleased with what we have done. I felt we needed to bring two or three in because of what is ahead and what we are trying to build here.
“But the January window isn’t even open yet so we’ll wait and see. If there is an opportunity to bring somebody in who we think can make us better then we will definitely explore it.
“But without the sense of urgency we’d have if we hadn’t already got some business done.”
Postecoglou has revealed winger Sead Haksabanovic has lost his Old Firm fitness battle after scan results on a foot injury means he’ll miss the Ibrox trip.
He’s looking forward to locking horns with new Rangers boss Michael Beale, who previously claimed that Postecoglou wouldn’t have won the title last season had he and Steven Gerrard stayed at Ibrox.
But the Celtic gaffer says the only thing matters is that the trophy resides at Parkhead and he’s more focused on this year’s honours.
He said: “I assume that’s his opinion but what that means to me, I don’t really know. It doesn’t worry me. I’m not focused on last year, only this year.
“Last year’s story is written and there is a trophy that’s in our cabinet. I don’t talk about last year with our team or within these walls.
“If people ask me about it, that story has already been written, the answers are there. My focus is on this year, what we are going to do now and for the rest of this season. That’s all I care about.”
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