Need to unleash Celts’ big-game hunter on Gers
told there is only one choice to lead the line in green and white this weekend.
He said: “You go with the player who has delivered on the big stage and that is Dembele.
“He was quiet in the 1-1 draw at Parkhead but he’s been outstanding all season.
“Brendan Rodgers can trust him on the big occasion.
“He’s done it in the Champions League, he’s done it in previous games against Rangers.
“The occasion itself will bring a bit of nerves, tension and anxiety and I think he can handle that.
“I’m absolutely convinced Dembele will be given the nod.
“I know his game has dropped but for someone so young to turn in such a productive season I think he will only get better.
“You have to remember how young he is, and his game outwith the box and his awareness of teammates will improve.
“If he can maintain that weight of scoring he has delivered this season, then all well and good.”
Dembele has been one of Rodgers’ big-game players this season.
On top of netting an Old Firm hat-trick at Parkhead as well as scoring against Rangers at Ibrox and Hampden, the Frenchman has found a way to goal in the Champions League at home and abroad against the likes of Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
While his recent goalscoring lull has also coincided with injury, it is clear getting this Celtic side back in tip top condition for this summer’s Champions League qualifiers is high on the priority list for Rodgers.
Scott Brown is just one player who is in line for a break — Scotland play England just 10 days before Celtic report back for pre-season training — but Walker reckons the time to get some R&R can come in the aftermath of Sunday’s clash.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “You need to have one eye on the Champions League qualifiers.
“They define your whole season as a club and if Celtic can get through them it won’t be long before they are back in the thick of action.
“It would be good if they could rest a few players.
“The biggest games for Celtic are the semi-final and hopefully the final. They have some league games to play out that are unimportant apart from trying to play them out undefeated and give the Celtic supporters a level of entertainment.
“If Scott Brown can get a rest in that period then Celtic will take advantage of that. Maybe Scotland will feel the benefit too.
“I was at Hampden when he played against Slovenia and he was part of a really good team performance.
“We need a big result and need to try to beat England.
“If we can do that we are right back in with a shout of qualifying.”