The famous old saying is full focus is entirely on the next game.
But you can imagine that behind the scenes, Brendan Rodgers and his troops will have one big eye on midweek as Bayern Munich come calling in the Champions League play-off round to a sold-out Parkhead. Pundits, current players and ex-pros all regularly rave about the European nights under the lights at Parkhead and you can bet it will be another special occasion in Glasgow’s east end.
But there is the matter of a Scottish Cup last 16 tie against Championship outfit Raith Rovers to come through before that. And with the Hoops at home, they will be heavy favourites to dump the visitors and book a spot in Monday’s quarter-final draw. It is a match Rodgers and his troops will take seriously, like every other game but it presents the manager the chance to use the strength and depth on his squad in order to get the job done on the night – and also keep key bodies fresh and risk free of injury ahead of welcoming Harry Kane and Co in a couple of days time.
With that in mind, the Celtic boss could make 11 changes to his team and keep big hitters in reserve. He’s already revealed that summer signing Viljami Sinisalo will make his long-awaited debut for the club with Kasper Schmeichel rested with a small knock..
Dane Murray, who came on against Aston Villa in the Champions League, could also get another chance to impress since returning from Queen’s Park on loan. A partnership with forgotten Maik Nawrocki could be an option and would allow Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers a weekend off in order to be as fresh as possible for the huge test that awaits midweek.
New boy Jeffrey Schlupp was signed due to his versatility. He can play all over the park and a midfield role alongside Luke McCowan and Bernardo could allow plenty of fitness into the legs by going box to box. Jonny Kenny is now part of the European squad and showed he can net on the big stage when at Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League. He could show his worth in a front three alongside Yang with Daizen Maeda.