Ange Postecoglou has responded to cryptic comments from Liel Abada regarding his lack of starts for Celtic.
In an interview with Israeli TV, the winger claimed “there are things behind it that people don't know” as he was quizzed on being an impact substitute of late.
Since joining the club in the summer of 2021, Abada has scored 27 in 93 appearances, including 12 goals this term, but game time recently has been hard to come by.
Jota and Daizen Maeda appear to be above the 21-year-old in the pecking order under Postecoglou, but the Parkhead boss insists his time will come.
He explained: “He’s fine mate. I just go with how they are playing and Liel is in a great space right now. He’s done very well for us and he can still improve. I’m not worried about him.
“They all have to be really strong across the year. All of the wingers have all played a part and they have all contributed to whatever combination has started or come on, which is great for us.
“We will need them at the moment. Some people think it’s a bit of a luxury to have all of these guys and they have all been fit for a while but it shows it can change quickly.
“James Forrest is out and Daizen Maeda is a doubt for the weekend, so you see why we need plenty of cover.”
Abada made a rare start against Hearts in midweek as the two teams met on league business ahead of tomorrow's Scottish Cup showdown at Tynecastle.
The famous old trophy is the only domestic silverware Postecoglou is yet to lift in Scotland, and he would love to change that this season.
He continued: “The Scottish Cup is special. It’s another chance to win a trophy for this football club.
“It’s obviously an important part of Scottish football but this is an opportunity for us to get to another semi-final. We understand it’s a cup game with no second chances.
“I enjoy going to Tynecastle but I enjoy all the games. They all have different challenges. I enjoy every game I’m involved in, because they alternative is I’m not involved.
“It’s always a good atmosphere there. We have a few more fans there and that will add to the occasion, I’m looking forward to it and the players are as well.”
Asked if Wednesday’s league victory would have any impact on tomorrow's match, Postecoglou added: “I don’t know if Wednesday will have any bearing on this one. It’s a cup tie and it’s always a different feel around them than the league games. There’s a little bit more of an edge.
“We’re away from home, which brings a different perspective. From our perspective it’s about making sure we perform. The other night we weren’t at our full best but we still had a strong mentality to get the job done.
“We wee disciplined in our approach and we’ll need that again tomorrow because we know how big a challenge it is. In cup games you have limited opportunity to fix it as it will be decided on the day.
“You have to have a really clear focus to get it done.”
