Ange Postecoglou has explained the reason behind Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota missing out at Kilmarnock.
The key Hoops duo were notable absentees from the squad named by the Scottish champions for the trip to Rugby Park. The league leaders can restore their 12 point advantage over Rangers at the league summit if they leave Ayrshire with all three points. Michael Beale's side ran out 5-2 winners over St Mirren yesterday ahead of this one to reduce that gap between the duo to nine.
Reo Hatate was already ruled out in the build-up having missed last weekend's derby win at Parkhead with Postecoglou naming a changed side against the relegation-threatened hosts. Tomoki Iwata and Sead Haksabanovic join Yuki Kobayashi in the starting line up for rare run outs from the off.
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Speaking about his three changes for the clash in Ayrshire, the Hoops boss told Sky Sports: "A combination [of things]. There is a couple of the boys who this pitch doesn't do a great deal for so I decided to leave them out but also bring some fresh legs in.
"Tomoki, Haksa and Yuki have all been working hard in training and I feel we are going to need some energy today and hopefully those three can bring that for us."
Celtic XI: Hart, Johnston, Kobayashi, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Iwata, O'Riley, Maeda, Kaksabanovic, Kyogo
Subs: Bain, Mooy, Turnbull, Oh, Bernabei, Summers, Ralston, Welsh, Vata
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