Alan Hutton backs Egypt star Haitham Hassan to start for Celtic against Rangers

Former Rangers star Alan Hutton has urged Celtic manager Martin O’Neill to hand Egyptian winger Haitham Hassan a starting role when Celtic face Rangers in next Sunday’s Scottish Premiership derby.

Hutton was impressed by Hassan’s impact during Celtic’s 3-0 Scottish League Cup defeat to Rangers, with the Egyptian introduced at half-time and emerging as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing performance from the Hoops.

The former Rangers defender believes Hassan deserves to be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup when Celtic get another chance to face their city rivals.

“For me, too, Haitham Hassan should start the game. He looked like the only bright spot in Celtic’s performance when he came on at halftime in the League Cup quarter-final,” Hutton told Football Fancast.

Hassan’s introduction brought greater attacking intent to Celtic’s play as he looked to take on defenders and create opportunities for his teammates. His performance has now strengthened the case for O’Neill to trust the Egypt international from the beginning against Rangers.

Celtic will be determined to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat in the League Cup, while a victory in next Sunday’s league meeting would see them extend their advantage over Rangers to eight points.

Hutton believes Hassan could play an important role in that response, particularly if O’Neill deploys him alongside Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogg in attack.

The Egyptian has made four appearances in the Scottish Premiership since joining Celtic, providing one assist but still waiting for his first goal.

With another high-profile Glasgow derby approaching, Hassan now has an opportunity to build on his impressive cameo and potentially establish himself as a key attacking option for Celtic.