Stephen McManus will return to the Celtic starting XI against Hamilton and will be given the challenge of changing Tony Mowbray’s mind ahead of next week’s Glasgow derby. The Celtic manager has revealed that he can offer no guarantees that he won't return to his favoured partnership of Glenn Loovens and Gary Caldwell for the crunch match at Parkhead.
Caldwell will miss the Boxing Day match against Hamilton through suspension after being sent off against Hearts last week. McManus will come into the side as a replacement and seek to show he can be the answer to Celtic’s defensive problems.
Mowbray said that he had been impressed by McManus, who has been undergoing extra training sessions in an attempt to win back his place. The Celtic boss paid tribute to his captain’s determination and understanding at the situation that has kept him in reserve recently.
“Stephen has reacted as you would expect - really professionally. I have said on record that he's an exceptional man,” he said.
"He works hard on his training and does extra sessions. When I have spoken to him he has understood he might have to wait for an opportunity. He reacted as I would expect a senior pro at this club to do.
"There is competition for places and I have spoken about the need for that in every area."
The manager said that injury earlier in the season had damaged McManus’ chances as he had wanted to field a settled defence and Loovens and Caldwell had met his expectations.
"I only pick the team from what I have seen. I think it was six weeks ago when Gary and Glenn stayed in the side and the team did function well,” Mowbray added.
"You could lose a goal and there may be a knee-jerk reaction about dropping someone but that's not the way to do things.
"When I first arrived Stephen was returning from injury and I didn't know his capabilities. I had a look at everyone and there comes a point when you have to pick two central defenders. They all know performances and standards keep them in the team.
"Sometimes suspension takes you out and this match will give Stephen an opportunity to keep his place in the side.
