JOSIP Juranovic, the Croatian defender who completed his £2.5m move from Legia Warsaw to Celtic this week, could be handed his debut for the Parkhead club against Rangers at Ibrox today.
Anthony Ralston has done well for manager Ange Postecoglou in recent weeks after being given an extended run in the first team due to the lack of options at right back.
The 22-year-old helped to set up his side’s goal in the Europa League play-off game against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands on Thursday night and is hoping to be involved in the Old Firm derby.
However, Postecoglou has been impressed with Juranovic, who played as his national team beat Scotland 3-1 in a Euro 2020 group game at Hampden back in June, since he arrived.
The Greek-Australian coach is confident the former Hajduk Split man will be able to cope with making his bow in the world-famous fixture – which no away fans will be in attendance at – this afternoon.
However, Liam Scales, the versatile Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender who joined Celtic from Shamrock Rovers on Friday, is unlikely to be involved against Steven Gerrard’s side.
Asked about the likelihood of his new signings featuring against Rangers, Postecoglou said: “We’ll assess that. Josip definitely, but Liam has just come in and it’s probably unlikely.
“Josip comes into the calculations. He has trained well with the team and his last game was seven days ago so he is in great condition and is an experienced guy. He definitely comes into contention.
“For the most part that’s why they sign for this football club, to play in these kind of games. I think all the players will be putting their hand up for this game. They will all want to be part of it.”
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