Pundit hints that Neil Lennon is set to drop Celtic star

The pundit has hinted that Neil Lennon is set to make a big call by dropping the Celtic first-team star against the Rangers on Saturday.

With a critical match coming Saturday at Celtic Park against cross-town rivals Rangers, Neil Lennon may be about to take a big call. He may be pushed to start Diego Laxalt, who he acquired just over one week ago according to ex-Hoop Frank McAvennie.

Speaking with Football Insider, McAvennie spoke about how he expects Lennon to choose new boy Diego Laxalt to start against Rangers over Greg Taylor, who has started 12 matches thus far on the season.

Greg Taylor had become a consistent feature in Lennon’s squad this season at just 22-years-old, but with Laxalt’s loan deal bringing him to Glasgow on October 5, he quite possibly has fallen down the pecking order for the time being.

Regarding the matter, the former Celtic man said:

"“I think the new boy Laxalt will start.“I think he will come straight in for Greg Taylor because you do not get to Inter and AC Milan if you are not an exceptional player.“The experience of playing in that derby will stand him in good stead, you can imagine when the San Siro is full.“His pedigree is there so I would put him straight in and I think he will do well.”"

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The 27-year-old Uruguayan was signed from AC Milan on a season-long loan last week. After falling out of favour with the Serie A side last season, he spent 2019-2020 on loan to Torino with an option to buy, making 16 appearances for the club.

A deal to purchase was never made, however, leaving Diego set to return to Milan for the 2020-2021 campaign before the Hoops swooped in.

A physically strong, speedy player who can fit in at left midfield, left back, or really anywhere needed, he should be quite the asset for Lennon against a Rangers squad looking to do everything they can to curb the Hoops’ hopes of a historic tenth-straight league title.

Hoops fans should be excited to know that Diego also seems set to potentially feature for the club in next week’s Europa League clash after the club confirmed he can play against his home club.