Russell Edge

Wed 26 July 2017 8:33, UK

By Russell Edge

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may be forced to spring a tactical surprise for his side’s Champions League qualifying match against Rosenborg tonight, according to a report.

The Daily Record claim that the Hoops are suffering a striker crisis, with Leigh Griffiths suspended and Moussa Dembele a serious doubt after missing training through injury yesterday.

As such, it is stated that the Northern Irish boss will look to start midfielder Tom Rogic in a surprise striker’s role, with the Australian having been used in a similar role last season, albeit for less than one half of a match.

Speaking to the media ahead of the crucial clash, Rodgers was quoted by the Daily Record as saying: “We could be going into the game without our two main strikers, but I did a number of things last year.

“Some may not have noticed that in the Partick game for the last half hour, I played Tom (Rogic) up there.

“Planning forward, thinking the what if? That was a false nine. So we’ll see.”

The 24-year-old is naturally an attack minded central midfielder, but has been utilised on the right wing as a second striker in the past, making 37 appearances and scoring 12 times during the last campaign.

He has demonstrated his impressive goal scoring touch again this season, having already scored once in each of their ties against Linfield in the previous qualifying round.

As a result, he looks set to lead the line in what may be a deep lying centre-forward role, as the Hoops look to take a first leg lead at Celtic Park tonight.

This is already their third Champions League fixture after their two legs against Linfield, and they face a further three matches if they are to take their place in the group stages once again.

In other Celtic news, Brendan Rodgers has had his say over the future of this star.

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