Ange Postecoglou will move Reo Hatate back into his familiar midfield role with Josip Juranovic ready for a return against Rangers.
The Celtic World Cup star was on the bench against Hibs on Wednesday night after only returning to training for a day following his Qatar exploits with Croatia. Hatate filled in the right-back role at Easter Road and the previous outing with Anthony Ralston struggling with a knock and new signing Alistair Johnston unavailable. His performances earned an 'excelled' verdict from his boss - but he's ready to move him back up the pitch.
Discussing Hatate's role at Ibrox and addressing the right-back position, Postecoglou said: “Josip was ready on Wednesday night against Hibs but had only been with us for a day. I felt it would have been a bit unfair just to throw him in. If I did, he’d have been ready and willing, no problem. So he’s ready to go now and has trained the last few days so there are no issues with him for Monday.
READ MORE: Neil Lennon gives Rangers v Celtic score prediction and difference between his side and current crop
"It’s fair to say we’ll move Reo forward again. He’s done awfully well for us in the last two games. He hasn’t just filled in, he’s actually excelled in that role.
“But he’s 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 right-back issue for us.”
Celtic head across the city looking to increase the gap at the top of the Premiership to 12 points.
Michael Beale has enjoyed a 100 per cent start to life at Ibrox but he's been unable to dent the points gap with the Hoops also four for four following the World Cup shutdown.
Victory at Ibrox would see the champions make a huge stride towards a second successive title success while defeat and the gap would be down to six points.
READ NEXT:
- Neil Lennon declares title race OVER if Celtic beat Rangers as he talks Beale, Morelos and Kent
- Amad Diallo continues post Rangers form as Celtic favourite Patrick Roberts nets in Sunderland win
- Rod Stewart lifts lid on Scottish Cup draw antics as Celtic-daft legend reveals he 'p*ssed about'
- Jurgen Klopp in Ben Doak Liverpool 'statement' as ex-Celtic kid handed 'very bright future' tag
