Hart and Furuhashi both start for Celtic in Europa qualifier

Ange Postecoglou has named the new signings in his starting line-up for the game against Jablonec.

Hart and Furuhashi both start for Celtic in Europa qualifier SNS Group

New Celtic signings Joe Hart and Kyogo Furuhashi will both start their Europa League qualifier against Jablonec.

Ange Postecoglou has named his starting line-up for Thursday night’s game in Czech Republic as he looks for his first competitive win at the Parkhead club.

Former England goalkeeper Hart replaces Scott Bain for his debut between the sticks and Furuhashi starts up front in place of Odsonne Edouard for his first start.

The 26-year-old Japan international, signed from J-League side Vissel Kobe, came on as a late sub in Saturday’s defeat at Hearts in their Premiership opener.

Carl Starfelt starts in defence again alongside Nir Bitton, who returns from suspension after being sent off in their ill-fated Champions League qualifier against Danish side Midtjylland.

Saturday’s goal scorer Anthony Ralston keeps his place at right-back with Greg Taylor returning on the opposite side.

Captain Callum McGregor lines up beside Soro and Turnbull in midfield with Forrest and Abada playing either side of Furuhashi in a front three.

Edouard will be on the bench alongside Ryan Christie, Albian Ajeti, Stephen Welsh and Tom Rogic.

The game kicks-off at 4.45pm with the winners earning a place in the Europa League play-off stage.

Scottish sides fell short against Czech Republic opposition last season, with Celtic losing to Sparta Prague and Rangers knocked out of Europe by Slavia Prague.

The Czech national team also beat Scotland 2-0 at Euro 2020.

Postecoglou will be hoping for a positive result to take back to Glasgow, with a full capacity allowed at Celtic Park for the return leg, for the first time since March 2020.

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