Peter Grant makes choice between Colby Donovan and ‘warrior’ Anthony Ralston clear for Hearts vs Celtic
Celtic’s clash with Hearts is as big a league game as you’ll get in October.
We’re too early in the season to be talking about a title race, but Brendan Rodgers’ side could fall eight points behind the Jambos if things don’t go to plan.
It was important for Celtic to get back to winning ways in their defeat of Sturm Graz in the Europa League, as Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren turned the game around in the second half.
But injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers put a significant dampener on the victory and left the squad weakened for the Tynecastle showdown.
Rodgers has a few big selection decisions to make for the encounter – and for the right-back conundrum, Peter Grant has made his stance clear.
Peter Grant on Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston for Hearts vs Celtic
Colby Donovan was set to move on loan to Dundee before Johnston’s long-term injury forced to Rodgers to introduce him to the first team.
With impressive performances, particularly in the Europa League against Red Star in Belgrade, he has firmly put himself in contention to start.
READ MORE: James Forrest reveals Brendan Rodgers ‘character’ speech before Celtic vs Sturm Graz
Peter Grant – Credit: Go Radio – YouTube
Anthony Ralston, on the other hand, is a full international with a wealth of experience at this point. He would be seen as the safe option for Rodgers on Sunday.
For Grant, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, there are merits to both – but he has no doubts over who Rodgers should go for.
He said: “Tony Ralston, I think he’s a warrior, he never lets you down. People question his quality at times, for sure.
“But Donovan – at the time, I was surprised that he was left out of the side, it was maybe just to give him a breather for one game.
“Because I think he’s the best crosser on the right side that they have, no matter who we play. And that’s including the wingers. So anybody that’s going to cross a ball with quality is going to be Donovan.
“I think that’s a massive plus, but also, Brendan was talking about the space on the right for Arne Engels. I think that’s because, sometimes, the full-backs are far too narrow.
“There is no space. Whereas if you stretch the pitch, that allows Arne Engels to run. And also if you’ve got someone like Donovan out there, he can go and deliver.
“So that’s why I was surprised when he didn’t come on at Dundee last week when they were playing with a three. He could get crosses behind them.
“I’m a big Donovan fan, I thought he did really well on [Thursday] night and I’d have no qualms with playing him this week.”
What decisions does Brendan Rodgers have to make for Celtic vs Hearts?
Centre back is another defensive position to be hotly contested after this week’s injury news. Auston Trusty and Dane Murray are the two favourites to start in place of Carter-Vickers.
Iheanacho’s injury allowed Johnny Kenny to essentially play the full match on Thursday, but should Daizen Maeda return to fitness, he could get the nod in the capital.
Nygren’s winner from the right wing position may nail down his spot there – but Rodgers has shown a strong tendency to have him in midfield so far this season.
With Kieran Tierney completing 90 minutes on Thursday, could Marcelo Saracchi step in for him? There will be plenty of headlines in Rodgers’ selection, that much is certain.
