By Alan Hutton

17th May, 2023 | 7:00am

Ange Postecoglou has new Celtic 'worry' after what pundit has spotted

Alan Hutton has insisted the “second string” defensive options for Celtic are a “worry”.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Rangers right-back said the defenders that featured in the 3-0 defeat to the Gers haven’t matched up to their first choice counterparts.

Ange Postecoglou made three changes to his starting lineup from the 2-0 win over Hearts for the Ibrox clash.

Due to injuries to Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Yuki Kobayashi and Anthony Ralston started once again, with Alexandro Bernabei replacing Greg Taylor.

The Gers managed their first derby win of the season at Ibrox on Saturday with the Premiership title already in the bag for their Glasgow rivals.

Hutton insisted using the game as an opportunity to assess the depth of his squad was the right decision from Postecoglou.

“Celtic have been unstoppable this season let’s not kid ourselves on,” he told Football Insider.

“There was not much on this game but it was an opportunity for the manager to assess the rest of his squad.

“I do not think Bernabei is at it, I do not think he is ever going to dislodge Taylor. Kobayashi I thought struggled, he got out-muscled by [John] Souttar for one of the goals.

“Johnston has come in and really hit the ground running so it has been difficult for Ralston.

“I do not like using the term second string but it was a little bit and they could not quite match to the levels of who they are trying to replace. So it probably is a bit of a worry for the manager. “

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