Celtic’s midfield hasn’t been the definition of nailed-on starters so far this season, with injuries and inconsistencies forcing Celtic to change up the middle of the park on an almost weekly basis.
David Turnbull has performed well in spells this season but hasn’t exactly been the epitome of a consistent player whilst Reo Hatate has performed well when he has featured this season but is currently out until after the international break with an injury.
If Rodgers was correct in his press conference then Reo Hatate will be back and ready for the visit of Dundee to Celtic Park before a trip to Rotterdam, but should he be nailed-on to start alongside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley or should someone else fill that role?
PAULO BERNARDO
Paulo Bernardo signed for Celtic on deadline day but didn’t make the squad for the trip to Ibrox to face Rangers.
The Benfica loanee has been called up to the Portugal under-21s and could get some game time for his country to help build up some match sharpness. However, his early minutes at Celtic are much more likely to be from the bench as Rodgers looks to bed him into his new team.
ODIN HOLM
The young Norwegian has impressed so far with his cameos from the bench since signing from Valerenga, when he became the first arrival under Brendan Rodgers.
Fans have taken note of his sharp passing and the knack for a strong tackle, especially in his cameo at Ibrox last weekend.
His performances so far have earned him his first call-up to the Norway Under-21s and, if he continues playing well from the bench, then more starting opportunities will most definitely present themselves. However, there are others who are ahead of him in the pecking order.
DAVID TURNBULL
Turnbull has had an inconsistent start to the season which has been a recurring theme with the 24-year-old over the last year or so.
He started off pre-season well and followed that up with a man-of-the-match performance on flag day as he scored two goals against Ross County at Celtic Park. However, following that performance, Turnbull hasn’t been able to produce any performances that come anywhere near matching his display against the Staggies.
He was hooked at half-time against Aberdeen at Pittodrie after a poor first-half and was ineffective in a home draw against St Johnstone as well as in the win at Ibrox.
On his day, Turnbull can be a great player for Celtic, but consistent performers are needed in the starting lineup for what is going to be a testing few weeks for Celtic.
REO HATATE
After a poor pre-season, Reo Hatate was dropped for the first game of the season against Ross County, much to the surprise of Celtic fans.
As much as Rodgers would have been assessing the squad and moulding it into what he wants, Hatate’s quality is known and seemed like a surefire starter.
He didn’t start in the trip to Pittodrie the following week but in both cameos he made from the bench he played well. However, at Pittodrie he pulled up with an injury just 15 minutes into his time on the park that forced him off the field.
Since then, a lack of creativity and ideas in the middle of the park has had fans crying out for the energy that Hatate brings to the team. If he is fit after the break then Reo Hatate should start alongside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley against Dundee.
JAMES MCKENZIE
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