Going into next week’s final Europa League fixture against Real Betis, Ange Postecoglou’s side would have hoped this was a possible game that could see them secure a place in the next round of the competition.

Unfortunately for the Hoops, though, we find ourselves in a position where both Betis and Leverkusen have already secured their place in the top two positions of the group, making Thursday game at Parkhead somewhat of a ‘dead-rubber’.

This has led to calls from fans for Postecoglou to rest some of his first-team stars, who are definitely in need of a break from action during a busy period for the Hoops.

Writing in his weekly column for the Daily Record, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton is in agreement with that statement, as he stated the up-and-coming fixture was a good opportunity for fringe players to get a run-out.

“There are good signs; take the Bayer Leverkusen result at the end of September out of the equation, and Celtic’s run over recent months has been superb. They are finding a way to win, and the consistency has been good.

“They need to keep it up, games are coming thick and fast and next week’s game against Real Betis is an opportunity to give fringe players a run-out and not risk the big guns. They need to take the opportunity.”

After sustaining yet more injuries on Thursday night, I do not doubt that Ange will look to rest some players going into the European fixture.

At the same time, though, there is a chance the 56-year old doesn’t want to drop too many of his first-team stars as we look to keep up the momentum picked up over the last few months.

It will be interesting to see the calls made ahead of that final European group fixture. For now, though, the focus for Ange will be on tomorrow’s game against Dundee United and picking up another three points.