Barely-seen Celtic stars tipped to ‘shine’ against Rangers after McGregor blow – Hutton
Alan Hutton has backed Celtic new boys Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi to “step up and shine” in next week’s Old Firm in the absence of captain Callum McGregor.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Japanese duo will be vying to show Ange Postecoglou they are capable of succeeding in Scotland.
McGregor was visibly bruised and battered as he took his place on the sidelines to watch Celtic beat Hearts 2-1 on Wednesday (26 January).
Football Insider expert Ben Dinnery suggested (24 January) the Hoops captain could be set for surgery and up to two months on the sidelines as he recovers from a suspected broken cheekbone.
Hutton insisted McGregor will be doing “the most he can” to prepare his teammates for next Wednesday’s game.
“It’s not ideal for Celtic, especially as they’re missing others as well,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“I know Jota came back into the fold the other day, which is obviously a bonus, but the likes of Kyogo are still out.
“He’s a leader on and off the pitch. He’ll be in the background in the run-up to this big game doing the most he can for his teammates.
“It’s an opportunity for some of the other players to stake their claim, like Hatate and Ideguchi.
“It can be a pressure cooker, the Old Firm, but this is why they were brought over. It’s an opportunity to step up and shine and show Postecoglou that they’re capable.”
Celtic trail Rangers by four points atop the Scottish Premiership.
Hatate and Ideguchi have made a combined three league appearances since joining at the start of January.
In other news, pundit predicts Rangers ‘boost’ could ‘benefit Celtic’ after confirmed news.