Celtic’s defence will be tested when they take on bitter rivals Rangers on Sunday afternoon at Ibrox.
BBC Sport pundit Steven Thompson has questioned whether Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli can ‘handle’ the pressure of playing against Rangers.
Thompson feels that Rangers boss Steven Gerrard will try to ‘isolate’ the Celtic summer signing at Ibrox by using one of his wide players to cause him problems.
The left-back area has been a bit of a concern for Celtic this season, especially with the summer departure of key man Kieran Tierney.
Speaking to Sportscene on BBC One Scotland (31/08/2019 at 16:50 pm), Thompson shared his thoughts on the injured Kristoffer Ajer and Bolingoli.
“Is there not a wee rumour that Ajer might make it?” Thompson asked on Sportscene. “Ajer has been a big player. He has been excellent, especially playing in that right-back position using his athletism, he’s been very, very good.
“At left-back, Bolingoli for me the jury is still very much out. Can he handle the Old Firm game at Ibrox? I think that’s something Steven Gerrard will be looking at in trying to isolate him with one of a plethora of wide players.”
If Ajer can somehow be fit for the Old Firm clash then it’ll no doubt improve Neil Lennon and Celtic’s chances of walking away with three points.
Despite being deployed at right-back recently, the youngster is Celtic’s best defender and a player they need at the back for Sunday.
Given the strength of Celtic and Rangers’ attack, it might just fall down to who cuts out the mistakes and remains most calm at the back.
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