Team’s Up – Kyogo starts, CCV returns

Brendan Rodgers has named his Celtic team for this afternoon’s Cinch Premiership clash against St Johnstone. Celtic can go top of the table until at least tomorrow with three points against the visitors from Perth.

In goals, Joe Hart starts.

In defence, Stephen Welsh retains his place in the team and partners the returning Cameron Carter-Vickers. The full back berths are occupied by Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor.

In midfield, Tomoki Iwata starts at the base of the central trio with Paulo Bernardo and Matt O’Riley in the more advanced roles.

In attack, Kyogo starts through the middle with Daizen Maeda on the left and Nicolas Kühn on the right.

Celtic: Hart; Taylor, Welsh, CCV, Johnston; Iwata, Bernardo, O’Riley; Maeda, Kyogo, Kuhn.

Subs: Bain, Ralston, Lagerbielke, Kelly, Forrest, Holm, Oh, Vata, Idah

Celtic drew the meeting between the sides at the beginning of the season then won a war of attrition in Perth in December after a woeful first half display.

Hopefully it is an easier afternoon for Celtic than their last two meetings against the Saints.