BT Sport pundit Stephen Craigan has issued a major concern over Celtics’ defence ahead of their Europa League clash against Russian giants Zenit.
The Bhoys host Zenit on Thursday night in the first leg of their Round of 32 tie, where they will be looking to make the most of home advantage.
Manager Brendan Rodgers does have several injury problems in his squad going into the contest and has been left with just three main centre-back options.
Craigan has raised doubts over trio Jozo Simunovic, Kritoffer Ajer and Jack Hendry ahead of the Zenit clash.
He feels that their opponents will look to exploit the Celtic backline early in the match and an away goal could be crucial going into the second leg in Russia.
“Jozo Simunovic is the most experienced centre half available, but he was at fault for both goals conceded in their Scottish Cup win over Partick Thistle last weekend,” Craigan said, as quoted by BT Sport. “His name on the team sheet won’t fill the Celtic support with confidence.
“Brendan’s other options are Kristoffer Ajer, who has played just a handful of senior games at Celtic, and recent signing Jack Hendry who himself has only played once for the Scottish champions.
“This won’t have gone unnoticed by Zenit and I expect them to test the home side early on for any sign of nervousness irrespective who plays.”
OPINION
Celtic will need to be at their very best to get a positive result against a Zenit team that scored 17 goals in their six Europa League group stages match. The loss of injured defender Dedryck Boyata will be a big miss and there could be a lot of pressure place on centre-back Simunovic. Rodgers’ side need to get a positive result to take back to Russia and playing on the front foot at a loud Parkhead could be their best approach. They need their attackers to be in the ascendancy, while the work of midfielders Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham in front of the back four will be crucial.