Bain replaces Barkas as Celtic name team to face Midtjylland

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has named his side for the decisive Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland, opting to replace under-fire goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas with Scott Bain.

Barkas, who has seen his position questioned after a series of mistakes following his move from AEK Athens last year, was in the spotlight after the goal Celtic conceded when they drew 1-1 with the Danish side in the first leg in Glasgow last week. He then played on Saturday in first half of the bruising 6-2 friendly loss to West Ham, conceding three goals.

Postecoglou had brushed off questions about the keeper in his pre-match media conference, saying he preferred to concentrate on the collective rather than individual performances, but he has made a change in goal for the match that will determine if Celtic march on in the Champions League qualifiers, or drop down to the Europa League.

Bain starts in goal behind a back four of Greg Taylor, Dane Murray, Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston. Eighteen-year-old centre-back Murray came into the side last week after Nir Bitton’s sending off – which saw the Israeli suspended for tonight’s game.

Ismaila Soro, David Turnbull and Callum McGregor are in midfield, while Liel Abada and Ryan Christie support Odsonne Edouard in attack.

Barkas is on the bench, along with Ross Doohan, Albian Ajeti, Tom Rogic, Boli Bolingoli, Osaze Urhoghide, Liam Shaw, Scott Robertson, James Forrest and Adam Montgomery.