Celtic hand Haitham Hassan first start in Falkirk clash

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has named Haitham Hassan in the starting line-up for the first time since the winger joined the club, with Falkirk visiting in the fourth round of the Scottish league.

Hassan had previously appeared twice for Celtic, coming on as a substitute during the closing minutes of both matches. He now starts against Falkirk as O’Neill makes his selection shortly before kick-off.

The match is being played at Celtic’s home ground, with the hosts looking to begin the game with Hassan involved from the opening whistle rather than introducing him late in proceedings.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also returns to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. His inclusion is another notable feature of the team announced by O’Neill for the meeting with Falkirk.

Celtic’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Viljami Sinisalo.

Defenders: Colby Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney.

Midfielders: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mika Power and Benjamin Nygren.

Forwards: Haitham Hassan, Camilo Duran and Hyun-Jun Yang.

Hassan’s selection represents his first start since joining Celtic and gives him the opportunity to make a more substantial contribution to the team. His only previous involvement had come in two appearances from the bench, both arriving in the final minutes.

The side named by O’Neill includes Tierney and Scales in defence, with Sinisalo selected in goal. Carter-Vickers and Donovan complete the defensive line for the home fixture.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is joined in midfield by Power and Nygren, while Hassan starts in attack alongside Duran and Hyun-Jun Yang.

Celtic will face Falkirk in the fourth round of the Scottish league, with the fixture taking place at the former’s ground. The team announcement confirms that O’Neill has chosen to give Hassan his first starting opportunity while also bringing Oxlade-Chamberlain back into the starting XI after his injury.

The match will be broadcast on Sharjah Sports.