Martin O’Neill threw up a few surprises with his Celtic team against Kilmarnock.
After a 3-1 defeat to Midtjylland which could’ve been worse on Thursday, the interim Hoops boss decided to freshen things up.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was handed his first appearance for the club out of nowhere, playing out of position at right-back. Luke McCowan, Reo Hatate and Marcelo Saracchi also came into the side.
Saracchi’s injury put a dampener on his positive form, particularly given the timing of it ahead of the international break. Yang Hyun-Jun also made a surprise appearance from the bench.
After the game, O’Neill discussed the changes he made to the side.
Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Yang Hyun-Jun
The 20-year-old had been completely absent from every domestic matchday squad since coming on loan from Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers hadn’t even registered him for the Hoops’ Europa League squad, leaving him out alongside fellow summer signings Shin Yamada, Hayato Inamura and Callum Osmand.
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Celtic's head coach Martin O'Neill looks on during the UEFA Europa League football match between FC Midtjylland and Celtic.
Photo by BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
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Simpson-Pusey’s performance in the game was steady, but it was Yang’s that O’Neill singled out for praise… before an interesting take on the defender. He said: “[Yang]’s ability to go past players is just terrific.
“So I’m genuinely learning all the time, it was great. He comes on for a few minutes, and he has definitely got ability, and a wee turn of pace.
“So I am learning all the time. I thought we’d try today and start the game with a little more energy, and players that hadn’t started. Luke started the game today, and got very tired.
“I took a bit of a risk, really, on the Manchester City lad [Simpson-Pusey]. I thought if he could play as a centre half, he could play out there.
“He got off to… not a brilliant start. I thought about taking him off after four minutes. Don’t tell him that! He did fine, and I think he got applauded off the pitch, which was nice.
“Not necessarily by me, but honestly, I was delighted.”
The Hoops’ next fixture is against St Mirren in Paisley, after the ongoing international break.
Martin O’Neill’s team selection at Celtic
Simpson-Pusey took the place of Colby Donovan as Anthony Ralston’s depute at right-back, given the injury blow to first-choice Alistair Johnston.
Donovan, Yang and Dane Murray are among those to have been taken out of the limelight in the four matches led by O’Neill and Shaun Maloney.
Johnny Kenny’s goalscoring form has been essential for O’Neill so far – not only is he scoring goals, but he has scored first in three of his last four games.
After the performances of Hatate and McCowan on Sunday, he may face a selection dilemma in midfield if he is still in the dugout for the trip to St Mirren Park.