Ange Postecoglou admits Stephen Welsh and Moritz Jenz will have to be at the top of their games against RB Leipzig in Germany.
The duo have been placed at the heart of Celtic's defence with injuries to ever-present Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. The missing pair have been pretty much a mainstay for the Aussie boss since his Parkhead arrival but their absence has opened up an opportunity to impress and force a way into the side.
Welsh and Jenz have played together in the last two outings against St Mirren and Motherwell but they will be thrown into the deep end in the Champions League in an opportunity described as a 'good challenge' by the manager. Speaking ahead of the showdown at the Red Bull Arena, Postecoglou said: “Carl and Cam are pretty much mainstays for us. They hardly missed a game. They have both had different issues. That’s meant that Welshy and Moritz have got an opportunity and it’s a great opportunity for them.
READ MORE: RB Leipzig v Celtic on TV: Channel, kick-off time and live stream details for Champions League game
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"A good challenge for them. A centre-half playing as a pairing requires understanding, but, in both games they have played so far, they have got better at understanding each other’s movements.
“I am sure they are looking forward to it because they have got some real attacking threats. They are both going to have to be on top of their games, but we can help them with that.
"Our concentration is on the guys who are fit and ready to go. Different players bring their own qualities to the game. Cameron is a different type of centre half to Carl.
"Moritz and Welshy are similar. It doesn’t change the way we play. These guys have different strengths and ways of contributing to the team.”
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