The right-back has barely featured for Celtic this season.
Five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand, Celtic will be hoping to provide another indication of their title credentials when they host Hamilton tomorrow night.
Mikael Lustig is firmly established as Celtic’s first-choice right-back and made an important clearance in the 2-2 draw with Hibernian at the weekend to ensure that his side’s unbeaten domestic run was extended to 68 games.
However, Lustig hasn’t been especially impressive this season, with the Sweden international getting caught out defensively on several occasions.
The time has perhaps come for the 30-year-old to be rested, with Cristian Gamboa, who has been used sparingly so far this season, ready to step up.
Gamboa made eleven league appearances in his first season at Celtic and this campaign has featured just once in the top flight, often being left out of the squad altogether.
The Costa Rican has frequently been overlooked by Rodgers but produced some encouraging displays when he did feature last season and is dependable defensively.
By bringing Gamboa back into the fold it would also send out a message to Lustig that his place in the starting lineup is no longer guaranteed, which would encourage him to up his game.
Having waited patiently for his chance, Gamboa deserves to be given an opportunity to show Rodgers that he can be a valuable squad member.
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