JOHN HARTSON believes Celtic’s key to beating The Rangers on Sunday will have a lot to do with Kieran Tierney as long as he’s fit.

The defender missed the 1-0 defeat at Ibrox in December and was an unused substitute as anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. He and Edouard were carrying injuries but were brought on the bench to make an impact later in the game. However, two defenders going down to injuries during the match left Celtic with very few options.

However, John Hartson has given Brendan Rodgers a fresh dig about the game as he speaks about Kieran Tierney. Instead of playing Hayes or Izzy at left back, the Irishman opted to play Callum McGregor in that position who acquitted himself well in the role but it meant he was not in the midfield to help dictate the play and get at Gers players. It was a bizarre move at the time and John has made sure people know about it

“Having Kieran Tierney back is key. Not only is he one of our best players and pivotal to what so much of the team does, it will also mean Callum McGregor starting in midfield and not at left-back, a decision which doesn’t make any more sense months later.” Hartson wrote in his EveningTimes Column.

Celtic go into the game as favourites with a few players back from injury now. Tom Rogic starting would still be a push and Olivier Ntcham could see action but again, neither are likely to be sharp.