Ronny Deila has admitted fears over the condition of the Hampden pitch could influence his team selection today.
The Celtic manager walked the playing surface at the National Stadium on Wednesday and was not impressed.
And with yesterday’s opening League Cup semi-final between Dundee United and Aberdeen having taken its toll, he admits to concerns as to how it will stand up to this afternoon’s Old Firm renewal.
“It is something we have to be aware of,” said the Norwegian, an admission that could be good news for bigger, stronger players such as Anthony Stokes and John Guidetti.
“The pitch is not the best, so that will be a factor. I have to take every condition into my head.
“So, yes, it might influence my selection. But a good team can win on a good, bad or artificial pitch. And we are a good team.”
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH boss James Fowler masterminded his side’s 2-0 win over Rangers before Christmas.
He insists that the only hope the Light Blues have of causing an upset is by unleashing his old Kilmarnock team-mate Dean Shiels.
“The last time there was a Derby match in a League Cup semi-final was when Killie played Ayr United in 2012 and Dean scored the only goal,” said Fowler, who captained the side which went on to beat Celtic in the final.
“Dean played well that day but that’s because he’s a big-game player, certainly one of the most talented I’ve ever played with.
“He’s exactly the type of guy you would want to make things happen in a match like this one.
“He’s a great No.10, the type who’s just as happy to set team-mates up as he is to score himself.
“Rangers don’t have too many creative players, so if they want to go for it against Celtic then Dean should certainly be on from the start.”
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