Celtic v Aberdeen preview: Visitors without on-loan Ryan Christie
Friday 22 December 2017 17:51, UK
Aberdeen assistant manager Tony Docherty insists the club can cope without Ryan Christie when facing Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.
The on-loan playmaker will sit out Saturday's showdown with his parent club, meaning Dons boss Derek McInnes will have to reshuffle his pack as the Pittodrie side look to beat the Hoops in a Parkhead league clash for the first time since 2004.
There will be extra frustration given the way new Scotland cap Christie has performed in Aberdeen's recent wins against Dundee, St Johnstone and Hibernian. But Dons assistant manager Docherty is refusing to worry too much about his absence.
He told RedTV: "We've been aware of the fact we wouldn't have Ryan for this weekend. As good as Ryan has been over our last three performances we have a squad of players who can fill in.
"For example, Greg Stewart was left out for the last game so we are able to deal with players coming in and out. I would need to say that Ryan has been pivotal to what we've achieved recently, he's been a fantastic player for us.
"But we have players who will come in, fill his place and we'll try to make sure we have the right players to do the job on the day."
For Celtic, defender Jozo Simunovic and midfielder Nir Bitton return to the squad for the visit of Aberdeen. Both players missed the 2-0 Ladbrokes Premiership win over Partick Thistle in midweek with knocks.
Midfielder Tom Rogic is out until the New Year with a knee problem and loan winger Patrick Roberts has returned to Manchester City for treatment on a hamstring injury, while Anthony Ralston remains out as he recovers from a knee problem.
Other than Christie, the Dons are at full strength for their trip to Parkhead. Kari Arnason returns after missing last weekend's 4-1 thumping of Hibernian to attend the birth of his child.
