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Kieran Tierney is likely to miss out on tomorrow’s trip to Rugby Park so new boy Marcelo Saracchi is in line to make his first start for the club…

Anthony Ralston and Marcelo Saracchi – theRangers v Celtic, 31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

While KT trained yesterday I just don’t think he’s going to be ready or more importantly risked on that plastic pitch. Brendan Rodgers knows all about it and the potential hazards injury wise that is presented by a surface that we won’t have to play on too many times as it’s being replaced by grass next season.

Even if the manager does take the chance in starting Kieran Tierney, Saracchi could still see himself named in the starting XI as he can also play at right-back. Both Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston are injury so it’s going to be young Colby Donovan or the versatile Saracchi who will play right-back tomorrow.

Anthony Ralston of Celtic substituted for Colby Donovan of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston,  Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park,  – 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Back in the day Rugby Park used to have probably the best playing surface in Scottish football so hopefully they can return to those standards again next season. I remember Brendan Rodgers saying that he’s never seen a good game of football on these plastic pitches and he’s right. All that matters tomorrow is  a) the three points and b) getting through the afternoon injury free.

Marcelo made his debut as a sub in the recent drab goalless stalemate at Ibrox, and didn’t really have much to do to be fair, but the experience and minutes will have done him the world of good as he aims to consolidate his place in the Celtic squad. What he’ll make of Rugby Park is another matter altogether!

Saracchi is hardly what you would describe as inexperienced, having seen it all in his career to date having played in Germany, Turkey, and South America as well as representing Uruguay on several occasions. He’s certainly not a novice and will be a steady, competent replacement for Kieran Tierney and will show himself to be a clever signing by Brendan Rodgers.

Marcelo Saracchi of Boca Juniors drives the ball during the Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2024 round of 16 second leg match between Cruzeiro and Boca Juniors at Mineirao Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

It’s now up to Marcelo Saracchi to grab this starting opportunity to show he’s more than a capable stand in, and quite possibly more, especially with such a long gruelling campaign ahead which will likely see KT sit out his fair share of games, especially when the schedule intensifies with midweek games every week.

We will need Marcelo to be prepared and fully focused for the fight ahead starting tomorrow afternoon. Let’s hope he’s up for that challenge. I’m sure he’ll be more than alright.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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