John Hartson takes firm Celtic stance over Kyogo injury as Ange told striker is 'worth the risk' for Rangers clash

John Hartson reckons Kyogo has to start against Rangers next weekend if he's "anywhere near" match fit.

The Celtic striker went off injured early in their Scottish Cup clash with St Mirren and Ange Postecoglou revealed he's healing well although stopped short of putting a timeframe on his return. It's not a long-term injury but this close to the Viaplay Cup Final on February 26, where they will look to retain the trophy against rivals Rangers, it looks touch and go whether he will be fit to start.

Daizen Maeda moved inside for much of the St Mirren clash to replace Kyogo while new signing Hyeongyu Oh got his first goal off the bench late on so Postecoglou has options if his top scorer doesn't make it. But Hartson reckons he's worth taking a risk on even if he's not 100 per cent, given the magnitude of the Hampden showpiece.

He said on Go Radio: "Celtic won't want to lose him, the manager says he's a quick healer but it all depends what the scan shows tomorrow. They've got Oh, he can play there and Maeda can play through the middle as well so there are one or two options. But of course you want your best centre-forward at the club playing.

"If he doesn't make it, you're looking for different options. Oh looked decent, he looks a strong runner. Ange obviously believes in him, he hasn't got a lot wrong in terms of his recruitment.

"Ideally you want Kyogo back for big games. Aberdeen at home, and obviously the cup final where you want to put your full strength team out against Rangers. But do they risk Kyogo? If he's anywhere near fit, he starts, he's worth that risk."

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