Brendan Rodgers makes decision Celtic fans wanted for weeks

Atletico Madrid v Celtic FC: Group E - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Atletico Madrid v Celtic FC: Group E - UEFA Champions League 2023/24 / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages
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Celtic players, coaches and fans should take in and enjoy the game against Feyenoord. Who knows whether they will be in the Champions League next season. This occasions should never be taken for granted and hopefully, the Hoops will mark it with a much-needed victory. Otherwise, they will go winless in the group stage once again.

A lot of questions have surrounded the team in recent weeks. Their performances and results have not matched the expectations set at Parkhead.

Things need to improve and quickly. The game against Feyenoord would be a great occasion to start a good run of form and results. And Brendan Rodgers has made one big call on the day.

Nat Phillips has not impressed with his performances since arriving on loan from Liverpool in the summer. And most Celtic fans believe that those with long-term futures at Parkhead should be playing ahead of him. The loanee finds himself on the bench against Feyenoord, with Stephen Welsh replacing him in the starting XI.

Rodgers makes decision Celtic fans wanted for weeks

While fans are expected to agree with the decision to drop Phillips, the one to bring in Welsh is sure to divide opinion. The Scottish centre-back had made just one appearance this season before this and that came back in August.

Welsh suffered a long-term injury. He is returning to the pitch after four months and this is certainly a tough test for him.

At the same time, one has to wonder what the future holds for the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki. They cannot get into the starting XI ahead of someone who has not played for four months and coming off an injury. The signs certainly are not promising for the two summer signings, who were brought in for combined transfer fees believed to be around €8.5 million.

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