Celtic team news: Johnstone starts against Celta Vigo

Celtic team news for tonight’s Europa League clash with Celta Vigo puts Sam Johnstone in the spotlight, with the goalkeeper named in the starting XI at Celtic Park.

The team sheet shared by The Parkhead Faithful shows Johnstone starting ahead of Viljami Sinisalo, who takes a place among the substitutes. Callum McGregor captains the side for the 8pm kick-off.

Further forward, Callum Osmand, Haissem Hassan and Camilo Durán all start. There is plenty for supporters to discuss before a ball is kicked.

Johnstone takes centre stage

The goalkeeper selection immediately catches the eye. Johnstone has the opportunity to make his mark on a European night, when concentration and communication could prove every bit as important as saves.

Colby Donovan, Dane Murray, Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney are also named in the side. Their understanding will matter, particularly when Celtic push forward and leave space behind them.

For me, the priority is composure. Celtic need to judge when to build patiently and when to move the ball quickly. Giving possession away cheaply would only make their evening harder.

Osmand gets his European opportunity

McGregor is joined by Mika Baur and Benjamin Nygren, giving Celtic players who can help connect possession with the attacking threat.

Meanwhile, Osmand, Hassan and Durán offer an intriguing combination further forward. The precise shape will become clearer at kick-off, but all three have the chance to influence proceedings.

I want to see Celtic attack with purpose. That means movement around the player on the ball, support for the forwards and a willingness to make the visiting defence work.

Celtic starting XI and substitutes

Starting XI: Johnstone; Donovan, Murray, Scales, Tierney; McGregor (captain), Baur, Nygren; Hassan, Osmand, Durán.

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Lotomba, Høgh, McCowan, Tounekti, Sørensen, Oxlade-Chamberlain, McArdle, Forrest, Ralston, Haney, Kennedy.

There are options on the bench if Celtic need to change the rhythm or find a different route towards goal.

However, the first opportunity belongs to those starting. Johnstone’s selection will attract attention, while Osmand has another platform to show what he can offer.

The team is named. Now Celtic need a performance that gives the crowd something to get behind.