ANGE Postecoglou is set to bring Josip Juranovic back in to his Celtic side for the first time since the Croatian left back returned from the World Cup in the cinch Premiership match against Rangers at Ibrox on Monday.
Juranovic, who helped his national team to reach the semi-final in Qatar, was left on the bench in the league game against Hibernian at Easter Road on Wednesday night and Reo Hatate played in his position again.
Alistair Johnston, the Canadian internationalist who was signed from Montreal last month, could come in to defence to make his debut in the world-famous fixture if he receives international clearance from FIFA tomorrow with Anthony Ralston still out injured.
However, Postecoglou, whose men are nine points clear of their city rivals in the top flight table, is satisfied that Juranovic is in good shape to make his comeback after taking a full part in training at Lennoxtown in recent days.
“He was ready the other night but he had only been with us for a day so I felt it would have been a bit unfair just to throw him in,” he said.
“If I did, he would have been ready and willing to play no problem. He is ready to go. He has been training over the past few days and there are no issues with him.
“Reo has done awfully well for us in the last two games. He has not only filled in well, he has actually excelled in that role. But he is definitely a midfielder for us, that’s where he is most effective and does his best work.
“Having Josip back and Alistair available certainly eases that issue for us. It allows us now to put Reo back where we believe he is at his best.”
Postecoglou, who will be missing Sead Haksabanovic as well as Ralston for the meeting with Michael Beale’s team, admitted that he has an abundance of options in midfield with Hatate, Callum McGregor, Aaron Mooy and Matt O’Riley all enjoying excellent form.
“I’m not surprised by how well Aaron has done,” he said. “I think the World Cup was really positive for him. He did a lot of hard work to get himself in condition for that and then he was able to build on that during the tournament itself.
“He has come back in great condition and it’s great for us. With Dave Turnbull out suspended we are one down there but the other lads are all playing well. It leaves us in a really good position in terms of midfield strength and depth.”
Asked about Haksabanovic, Postecoglou said: “He’s had a scan. He’s had a bit of a foot issue. It’s been frustrating for him because he hasn’t been able to train at 100 per cent or play.
“We took a scan the other day and there is nothing serious there, but at the same time we just want to give him a chance to be 100 per cent. He will miss Monday but hopefully not much longer than that because we are keen to get him back involved.”
Postecoglou is content that Daizen Maeda, who netted a stunning individual goal in the 4-0 triumph over Hibs in Leith on Wednesday night, will perform well out wide against Rangers in Haksabanovic’s absence.
“There are external measures that people put on players in Daizen’s position, but there are things that we look at internally,” he said.
“He is a valuable contributor for us every time he plays because of the work rate, because of the defensive and offensive pressure he puts on the opposition.
“He has got a goal and assists which is important for him and our team, but it’s not just that, he brings more to the game and I can tell you that all his team-mates appreciate his work rate irrespective of whether he gets the recognition he deserves outwardly.”
