Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers has found himself at the centre of a conundrum, faced with the daunting challenge of a packed fixture schedule and calls to give his ‘support act’ players more game time.
The Hoops manager himself has voiced concerns over the gruelling line-up of matches, pleading with the SPFL for assistance as his team faces a quick succession of high-stakes games, both domestically and in Europe.
The immediate past saw Celtic in action against St Mirren, a match where the depth of the squad was put to the test. With notable players like Cameron Carter-Vickers on the sidelines and Daizen Maeda only making a late appearance, the responsibility fell on others to step up.
David Turnbull rose to the occasion, delivering a goal, though he missed from the penalty spot. South Korean talent Oh seized his moment, netting the decisive goal to alleviate the mounting pressure.
Mark Wilson, a former Celtic player turned pundit, has highlighted the necessity of utilising these fringe players, emphasising that Rodgers’ rotation strategy will be crucial in the coming weeks. He cautioned that Ross County, Celtic’s upcoming opponents, could deliver a ‘sting in the tale’ as they aim to disrupt the Hoops’ quest to extend their lead over Rangers to eight points.
He said: [Sky Sports]
“They kept plugging away, creating chances. I think Rodgers utilising the strength of his bench, the support act if you like, and coming on to play a major part is what is needed when you have so many fixtures.
“It was always good to see Oh get a goal, he’s been on the bench for long periods, playing bit part. When he got the opportunity, when his team needed him, he stepped up and got the three points.
“He’s been starved of chances, when he’s come on the games have sometimes been dead, Celtic taking their foot off the gas…He has to displace Kyogo, he has to put pressure on him and the only way to do that when he gets minutes, by scoring.
“Rodgers knows he’s good for that, if it ever comes to that again if it ever comes to it again that they’re struggling, there’s a guy that’s won them three points. When you have a fixture and the other half don’t, it’s important you get the job done and put a bit more daylight between you.
“Brendan Rodgers will be under no illusion how difficult it is up in Dingwall. Ross County bounced back from two nil down the other night – they have quality up front with Dhanda, White, Brophy and Murphy – there’s a sting in the tale. Celtic need to be careful.”
