Carter-Vickers returns to captain Celtic in McGregor's absence in Perth

Postecoglou has made six changes to the team that lost 3-1 to Leipzig midweek.

Cameron Carter-Vickers returns to captain Celtic in Callum McGregor’s absence against St Johnstone SNS Group

Cameron Carter-Vickers has returned to the Celtic squad for the Saturday lunchtime game against St Johnstone in Perth.

The USA international defender has also been handed the captain’s armband for the game in Callum McGregor’s absence.

McGregor picked up an injury in the first half of Wednesday night’s Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig and could be facing a lengthy spell on the side-lines.

Ange Postecoglou has made six changes to the team that lost 3-1 in Germany and has also made a slight adjustment to the way his team is set up, switching from their usual 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Sead Haksabanovic replaces McGregor and will play as an attacking midfielder in between wingers Liel Abada and Jota supporting Giorgios Giakoumakis up front.

Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley are the two midfielders in front of a back four of Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Carter-Vickers and Alex Bernabei.

Joe Hart retains his place between the sticks despite a costly error leading to Leipzig’s second goal during the week.

Greg Taylor and Moritz Jenz also miss out on the trip to Perth with Josip Juranovic, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda all on the bench.

Celtic have won only one of their last five games since defeating Rangers 4-0 at Celtic Park at the start of September.

Postecoglou has called on his side to make a statement against St Johnstone as they return to league action and look to move five points ahead of Rangers who play St Mirren at Ibrox later on Saturday.

Meanwhile Callum Davidson has handed a debut to Max Kucheriavyi for the game at McDiarmid Park.

Matthews starts in goals for St Johnstone behind Wright, Mitchell, Gordon, Considine, Brown, McGowan, Hallberg, Kucheriavyi, Murphy and Clark.

The Perth side are currently in 9th place but could move to as high as fifth in the Premiership with a victory over the champions.

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