Jeremie Frimpong reveals he’s “ready” for potential new role vs Copenhagen
Oliver Birch 
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport
Jeremie Frimpong has revealed he’ll be “ready” if called upon by Neil Lennon to play in a new role in Thursday’s last 32 first leg with Copenhagen, with the full-back stating he is comfortable playing at both right-back and left-back.
Lennon confirmed on Wednesday that Greg Taylor has not made the trip to Denmark after picking up an injury during the win over Aberdeen on Sunday, while Hatem Abd Elhamed and Leigh Griffiths have also missed out.
Neil Lennon says Leigh Griffiths (knock in training), Greg Taylor and Hatem Abd ElHamed haven’t travelled to Copenhagen with Celtic pic.twitter.com/tc42kbnDG9
— Alison Conroy (@AlisonGConroy) February 19, 2020
But according to the Glasgow Times, Frimpong has revealed he is capable of playing on either flank in defence as he gears up for what could be his first involvement in a Europa League tie with Celtic.
I play on the right and left. Left-back, right-back, I’ve played there. I have played on the left before. It’s been frustrating. I want to get on the pitch as fast as I can. I’ve been waiting for this day so I’m ready. I don’t know if the system will change. I just have to work hard in training. That’s all I can do.
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Frimpong’s versatility could be hugely important to Celtic on Thursday with Taylor and Elhamed sidelined, as it means Lennon still has options at both right and left-back.
But given how Jonny Hayes featured so well on the left against Lazio earlier in the campaign, I don’t think Lennon will risk using Frimpong in that position and instead utilise him in his natural role on the right.
Griffiths’ absence could also be significant, as it could see Lennon revert back to a four-man defence and a lone striker up front in Odsonne Edouard, rather than the 3-5-2 system that he has utilised domestically up until now.
