Celtic predicted XI vs AC Milan: Martin O'Neill makes four changes as World Cup stars return
Martin O'Neill could be in line to make four changes to the starting XI for Celtic's final pre-season friendly on Saturday against AC Milan.
The Bhoys are set to welcome the Italian giants to Parkhead to conclude their summer preparations, with just 10 days remaining until they get their Scottish Premiership campaign underway.
O'Neill's men are winless throughout pre-season so far, but they will aim to change that against a Milan side who finished fifth in Serie A last term.
The hosts are set to welcome several of their stars back into the fold following the World Cup, including the likes of Alistair Johnston, Benjamin Nygren and Auston Trusty, whose nations all reached the knockout stages.
Saturday's game is expected to come too soon for that trio to go straight in from the start, leaving O'Neill to piece together an XI from the rest of his group.
The boss will still be prioritising minutes and fitness, but will also be keen to get a strong unit on the pitch against top European opposition.
Anthony Ralston to return as Martin O'Neill switches wingers
Scotland internationals Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney are both back in training after returning from North America, and the duo are likely to start in the full-back positions this weekend.
O'Neill will be keen to get the pair back to match fitness after their break, and could give them the nod from the off as a result.
Their inclusions may come as part of as many as four changes to the lineup, as the boss looks to shuffle his pack after the draw with Middlesbrough last time out.
Fellow returnees Yang Hyun-jun and Sebastian Tounekti may come in on the wings, with youngster Sean McArdle and veteran James Forrest making way.
Elsewhere in the side, Liam Scales is likely to return to his preferred position in the centre of defence, while Camilo Duran will hope to continue his promising start at the top of the pitch.
The World Cup trio of Johnston, Nygren and Trusty could all be involved, but likely from the bench, with O'Neill looking to ease them all back into club action.
Michael Nicholson to pay price for signing issues
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson is in "real trouble" amid huge unrest from the fans.
The former boardroom man believes that the club hierarchy could "sacrifice" Nicholson, after he blamed the club's recent transfer difficulties on issues with agent fees.
Wyness outlined that the need to pay agents is "no excuse" for the Hoops only sealing one new addition to their squad so far this summer.
They recently missed out on securing a return for Kelechi Iheanacho, and Wyness believes that the board may axe Nicholson in order to appease the fans.