Celtic take on Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup this evening.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon has told STV that he needs to find the right balance with his squad ahead of tonight’s game with Partick Thistle.
The Bhoys are back in action this evening, as after beating Kilmarnock at home in the league, they now have to turn their attention towards the Scottish League Cup.
Celtic have won the last three Scottish League Cup finals, meaning they will not only be expecting to reach the final again this year, but there’s a reasonable expectation to win it again too.
Lennon needs to be careful with his side though, as many of them have been playing since the beginning of the summer when Celtic’s Champions League qualifying campaign began.
Tonight’s game may well be an opportunity for Lennon to rotate his side or even bring in some of his new signings like Jeremie Frimpong for a first start.
Ahead of the game, Lennon has suggested that five players – James Forrest, Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Boli Bolingoli – have played a lot of football, and it may be time to take them out tonight.
Lennon hinted all five will be given rests if possible, as he has fringe players waiting for opportunities, and this seems like an ideal chance to give them a game rather than add to the workload of those five stars.
“Christopher Jullien is fine, but obviously we have to take a steer on games coming up as well, for the likes of (James) Forrest, (Scott) Brown, (Callum) McGregor, (Ryan) Christie, (Boli) Bolingoli, they have all been playing a lot of football,” said Lennon. “We would like to play them in every game but it’s not realistic, and there are players champing at the bit to play as well, so we need to try and find the right balance,” he added.
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