Noel Whelan

Sat 5 February 2022 18:00, UK

Noel Whelan has suggested Tom Rogic and Daizen Maeda will have to settle for a place on the Celtic bench against Motherwell on Sunday.

The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it is “desperately impossible” for anyone to to break into the starting XI after the Hoops’ win over Rangers.

Ange Postecoglou, as quoted by The Celtic Way on Friday (4 February), confirmed Rogic is available for selection after his international exploits with Australia.

The Australian manager also revealed January signing Maeda is “fully available” after featuring as a substitute against Rangers on Wednesday.

However, Whelan suggested the Hoops could and should go with an unchanged starting XI.

Asked if Postecoglou could axe anyone for Sunday’s game, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You can’t. That’s what being at a big club is all about, isn’t it?

“You win football matches and you put in performances week in, week out. When someone’s injured, unavailable or not performing to the calibre expected, the manager will drop them.

“Other people then come in and take their opportunity. That’s what being at a big club is all about. It wasn’t Celtic’s full strength (v Rangers), we know it wasn’t Celtic’s full strength.

“But look at the players that they had out there and some of the players he brought on as well. Forrest was out there, trying to get back into the first team.

“It’s desperately impossible when Celtic play in that manner, at that pace, with that quality and win football matches. You don’t change a winning side.

“Who wants to step out that side? Nobody right now. They’ve got the momentum, they’ve got the confidence behind them. They’re on a real roll right now.”

Rogic has been a favourite of Postecoglou this season.

The Aussie star has played 31 times across all competitions but has missed the last three games.

In other news, promoted Premier League side tipped to launch raid for Celtic star after £1.4million reveal.