OPINION
The wait seems to have taken an age but Celtic will finally return to European action on Thursday night when Parkhead plays host to Valencia in what will be an intriguing tie for all watching on.
The Scottish title hopefuls will welcome the side sitting eighth in Spain’s top flight, the visitors to Glasgow reported by the Daily Record to be facing something of a crisis when it comes to their squad through injury and suspension.
However, it is not all plain sailing for the Hoops either, with Kieran Tierney set to remain on the sidelines despite having stepped up his efforts to make a return for this very clash.
As confirmed by Rodgers himself and relayed by BT Sport host Darrell Currie, the left back has not recovered in time for the first leg of their European showdown, the broadcaster going on to pose the crucial question as to who should start instead.
Kieran Tierney will miss the Valencia match tomorrow night. A real blow. Who should start at left back then?
— Darrell Currie (@darrellcurrietv) February 13, 2019
With Emilio Izaguirre having been replaced by Jonny Hayes due to injury for the win against St Johnstone, the responses, rounded up by This is Futbol, from the Celtic faithful made it crystal clear who most thought should be given the call.
Hayes
— Decky???? (@Deckyy67) February 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/DylanIrvine11/status/1095707081548722177
https://twitter.com/johncameron2015/status/1095707095805120513
Hayes 100% then Izaguirre (if fit) away because we’ll need to defend!
— J ???????? (@Jonaldo_92) February 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/CelticArmchair/status/1095705716269219840
https://twitter.com/gazzarinho1/status/1095706007592939526
Hayes
— RanDom guY thouGHts (@Kman1888Mil) February 13, 2019
Gotta be hayes
— Frankie (@monkeymcl) February 13, 2019
Hayes is the one many fans are calling for and while he might be a natural winger, his experience and pace should be enough to keep the Spanish side at bay, not to mention posing a threat down the other end of the pitch.
Izaguirre looks done for at Parkhead with a series of poor performances and Hayes showed against St Johnstone he is a much better option than his counterpart.
Manager’s might block out the fans more often than not but this is one time where Rodgers needs to heed their advice and keep faith with the Republic of Ireland ace – or face trouble when the Spanish outfit roll into Glasgow.