Reo Hatate won’t be playing right-back in the long run, despite his two goals while filling in for the injured player during Celtic’s recent victory against St Johnstone. He may play there tonight against Hibernian, but you have to assume he won’t be in that position on Monday, January 2, when the Hoops take on Rangers.
Ange Postecoglou, the manager, will be keeping Celtic supporters updated on the status of right-back Anthony Ralston’s injury. The 24-year-old was sidelined for the previously stated triumph over St Johnstone due to an injury he sustained during the Hoops’ victory over Livingston.
If Ralston plays against Hibernian, it is encouraging that he is fully recovered; if not, all eyes will be on the manager’s upcoming interview to get an update on the player’s condition.
If Ralston is out for the match against Rangers, Hatate will likely start at right-back, Alistair Johnston, a recent addition, might make his Hoops debut, or Josip Juranovic, if fit, could make a comeback to the team in what would likely be his final game for the Bhoys.
For the Hoops, it would likely be ideal if Ralston or Juranovic was fit for the derby. It would also be nice to have both players available for this evening’s match against Hibernian, since it is always beneficial to have your strongest team available for challenging road games.Hatate will face a far greater challenge when the team plays Hibernian and Rangers at home, but he might be able to put up a man of the match performance at right-back against St Johnstone.
With four players on the books who can play right back when the transfer market opens on January 1st and the Johnston signing is finalised, the right-back position at Celtic has suddenly become one of the most talked-about positions in the team.
That is an excessive number of players, and you have to assume that one of them will have left Celtic by the end of January and the window’s closure, and another one is unlikely to play right back again.
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