The Celtic manager has explained why he went with 3-5-2 on the night against Milan after the woeful Derby display last weekend. Celtic settled into a 2 goal deficit in the first half with the system just not working.

However, when he went to a back four, and changed some personnel, the bhoys started to look more like themselves. Getting a goal back and threatening to get an equaliser as the game was coming to a close.

Unfortunately, chasing an equaliser left us open and Milan got their third with no time left on the clock. It was a disappointing result but the display in the second half has more supporters optimistic going forward.

Asked why he went with the 3-5-2 on the night, Neil said it was simply down to personnel. He didn’t believe Ryan Christie was fit enough to start and he had no wingers.

“We couldn’t start with a back four, we couldn’t start Ryan based on what my medical team are telling me. We had no wingers at the weekend except Elyounoussi. All this talk about back threes, back fours, we went with what was best. We started the season with 4-3-3 but we weren’t right in some of the games.” The Celtic boss admitted to Glasgow Live.

“We scored more goals with 3-5-2 but its the personnel, getting players back hungrier and fitter. It was a big plus for Rogic getting half an hour, Christie, Ajeti and Laxalt, who was brilliant in his second game.”

Asked if he would be going 4-3-3 in future, the Celtic manager made the major admission he’s keen but only if the right players are available.

“Yeah, as long we don’t have any more injuries or pull outs. There was some really good signs tonight that we are getting up to speed against a good side.”

It’s Aberdeen away for Celtic next in a must win game up north.