Clement issues Rodgers with warning over his exciting young team

Phil Clement has warned Brendan Rodgers that the Glasgow Derby, which begins from noon today, will pit him against an exciting young team.

Veterans of the fixture, such as Connor Goldson, John Lundstram, and Borna Barisic, have gone over the offseason, with Scott Wright and Todd Cantwell following them before the transfer window closed.

Two or three debutants are expected when the teams are named at 10.45, with Connor Barron leading the way for the visitors.

Celtic won four and drew the other match between the two clubs last season, but Clement believes he has the players to pull off an upset today.

According to the Daily Record, the Belgian says:

We’re an exciting young team looking to tackle that right now. I believe we have the talent to do so – and to score three points on Sunday.

We will do that. But we’re not done yet, which is understandable given that we’re rebuilding after losing 16 players. But I know there’s only one truth in the end, and that’s what’s occurring on the pitch.

Nothing will be decided on Sunday in one game. This is a great challenge for us. Of course, if we can play a great game and earn a fantastic result, we will be able to advance significantly as a club.

Despite suspicions of a departure, James Tavernier remains at Ibrox, captaining the side as he begins his eighth season there.

Celtic have dominated the post-lockdown fixtures, losing only twice in three seasons in the SPFL, one of which was a dead rubber after the title was clinched.

Rodgers made three Deadline Day additions, but none of them are expected to start today’s match, with the Hoops likely to field a squad similar to last week’s 3-0 triumph away to St Mirren.

Celtic enter today’s match in second place, three points behind Aberdeen, who won away to Ross County yesterday.