Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that new signing Moussa Dembele will feature in the friendly with Olimpija Ljuanblja on Wednesday.
The Bhoys are expected to field a strong team in Slovenia as they step up their preparations for next week’s Champions League qualifier against either Flora Tallinn or Lincoln Red Imps.
The Glasgow giants have fielded much changed line-ups in their two previous friendly matches – a 2-2 draw against NK Celje and a 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz – but Rodgers has now confirmed he will play a stronger side against Ljuanblja, with former Fulham favourite Dembele set to feature.
Rodgers said: “He has only just linked up with us and you have to give him a few days, otherwise there is a high risk of injury. He’ll play a part.”
One man who will not take to the field against Ljuanblja is attacking midfielder Kris Commons, who continues to struggle with a back injury.
The 33-year-old has been linked with a loan switch to Hibernian but Rodgers insists the former Scotland international will get the chance to prove he can fit into the first-team picture at Parkhead.
“At the minute Kris is injured. For Kris or any player they have to be able to play how I want to work,” the boss added.
“They have to be able to run. They have to be able to press. They have to be aggressive. They have to be able to touch and to get up to people.
Celtic are used to having the ball of course but you have to get the ball back.”
Celtic have claimed Scottish Premiership glory in each of the last five seasons seasons and are available at 1.25 to secure the title once again in the 2016-17 campaign.
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