Juranovic set for an Old Firm baptism of fire

CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou says he is ready to throw in new signing Josip Juranovic for his debut at Ibrox today.

The Croatian full-back, a £2.5million buy from Legia Warsaw, was ineligible for Thursday’s Europa League qualifier against AZ Alkmaar, but is fit and available for today’s first Old Firm derby of the season.

Postecoglou has also added defender Liam Scales to his

squad this week but the manager believes today’s game against Rangers will come too early for the left-sided Irishman.

He said: ‘We’ll assess that. Josip definitely but Liam has just come in and it’s probably unlikely.

‘Josip has trained well. His last game was seven days ago so he is in great condition and is an experienced guy. He definitely comes into contention.’

Scales, 23, played his last match for Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night against Flora Tallinn before completing a £500,000 switch to Glasgow. Juranovic has had longer to rest and prepare after his farewell to Legia in which he scored against Slavia Prague.

A starter for Croatia at Euro 2020, the 25-year-old right-back is expected to dislodge Anthony Ralston from Celtic’s starting XI despite the youngster’s impressive early-season form.

Postecoglou detects a hunger within his squad ahead of the short trip across the city to face last season’s champions.

‘I think all the players will be putting their hand up for this game,’ added Postecoglou. ‘For the most part, that’s why they sign for this football club, to play in these kind of games. They will all want to be part of it.’

Although left-back Greg Taylor was forced off with a shoulder injury in the Netherlands, Postecoglou has insisted he should be fit to start against Steven Gerrard’s side.

Youngster Adam Montgomery deputised from the bench and is on standby, while the availability of Ralston and Juranovic provides additional cover.