We posted earlier this morning after Celtic had send out a matchday graphic that seemed to hint towards the big decision Celtic fans were waiting on. Would Cal Mac start the match?

The graphic showed Celtic defender CCV with the captains armband on and we now know it was 100% a hint. Callum is not in the starting XI but is on the bench with Tomoki Iwata keeping his place in the side.

It’s a big blow for Celtic not to have their captain from the off. He has been out for six games and there has been speculation over how fit he actually is.

Brendan Rodgers has taken the decision not to risk him at Ibrox, at least from the start. The manager clearly taking a pragmatic approach knowing there is still more games to come where Callum could be pivotal. It also shows trust in Iwata who has been playing well in Callum’s absence.

Here is the full starting XI.

Celtic team v Rangers: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, Iwata, O’Riley, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo

Subs: Bain, Idah, Yang, Nawrocki, McGregor, Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.

The great news is that Reo is back in the side and keeps his place after Livingston. There’s no space in the squad for Luis Palma who just got over an injury in the last week or so. You have Idah, Bernardo and McGregor on the bench to make an impact if need be.

It’s a massive game today whatever way you want to slice it and Celtic need to show what they’re made of.