By support

10th Feb, 2018 | 9:18am

Big test incoming for Celtic's enforcer as he attempts to win over the doubters

COMMENT
One of the most intriguing aspects of Celtic’s upcoming Scottish Cup tie against Partick Thistle is the news that Jozo Simunovic is set to return to the first-team.
After being a mainstay of the first-team for over a year, the centre-back had lost his place in the first-team following a dreadful performance against Hearts in the 4-0 loss in December.
He was replaced by Kristoffer Ajer, until the Hoops switched to a three at the back system, when he returned to the side.
He was then left out of the match against Kilmarnock, but with the injury suffered by Dedryck Boyata the enforcer is set to return to the side.
Ajer and Simunovic have never played as a partnership before, and it will be interesting to see how the pair fare against Partick, if they are on the same wavelength.
With the Europa League tie against Zenit less than a week away, Brendan Rodgers will be looking for a big performance from the Bosnian as the Hoops continue their defence of the Scottish Cup.
Some supporters feel that Simunovic hasn’t been the player he was last season, and his performance against Hearts proved that, he could win back the doubters with big performances against both Partick and Zenit.
In other Celtic news, ‘Another smokescreen’ – Celtic fans react as major update delivered in Scotland job hunt
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