Simon Donnelly has named his ONE Celtic concern ahead of facing Rangers as he delivered his views ahead of the Hampden showdown.
Michael Beale and Ange Postecoglou meet at the national stadium tomorrow afternoon with the League Cup the big prize on offer. The Rangers boss is undefeated since arriving as Giovanni van Bronckhorst's successor while the Hoops are also on an extended run without defeat. But something will have to give in Mount Florida as both sides bid to claim the bragging rights and lift the first domestic prize on offer this campaign.
Kyogo Furuhashi was forced off in the Scottish Cup win over St Mirren early on and returned for the final 20 minutes of last week's clash with Aberdeen and has trained this week. But despite that, Donnelly still has fears over whether he is fully fit to face the Light Blues. He also believes new Ibrox duo Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin will handle the occasion well if called upon as he picked out Malik Tillman as a major miss for Rangers if he is deemed unfit.
READ MORE: Rangers trio would be BIG loss against Celtic if unfit as Kenny Miller shares Todd Cantwell theory
Donnelly told the Get Involved Referee podcast : “My only concern is Kyogo – is he fully fit? His shoulder problem could be an issue.
“If Kyogo doesn’t make it then what an opportunity for Oh Hyeon-gyu. The young Korean could be the hero.
“And it’s the same for either of the Rangers lads Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin who could be thrown into this game because I think they will handle it.
“I always see this situation as a great opportunity. Three or four games into their Rangers’ careers they could be starting a cup final so that’s something they should relish.
“The big blow for Rangers will be if Malik Tillman doesn’t make it. He has been on good form and has been scoring goals and setting them up.”
He added: “If Celtic have their A game they are too strong. They have the stronger squad and their starting XI is better.
“That said, in the last game, after Celtic capitalised on an early mistake, the situation was turned on its head just after half-time and then they had to get a late equaliser. But I think if Celtic are at it, Celtic win.
“The midfield is so strong – especially Reo Hatate who gets better with every game and was sensational last week against Aberdeen.”
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