Brendan Rodgers could start 26-year-old Celtic player vs Hibs after dropping Lazio teaser yesterday

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With Celtic set to face Hibernian tonight in the Scottish Premiership, Brendan Rodgers faces a selection dilemma ahead of the visit of the capital side.

As the Celtic boss laments the recent performance of Hyunjun Yang, Rodgers has also yet to find a solution to the Reo Hatate problem that is still haunting the Celtic midfield.

Ever since the Japanese midfielder limped off injured against Atletico Madrid, Rodgers has failed to find a player capable of stepping into Hatate’s boots.

David Turnbull and Paulo Bernardo have both tried. And whilst Turnbull has given goals, he just does not have the dynamism required to play in Rodgers’ side. And Bernardo? Well, he’s failed to offer anything of note.

But it seems that there is an answer already at the club in Tomoki Iwata that the Celtic manager has yet to really explore. And after Rodgers’ comments yesterday, it seems that he is set to hand the 26-year-old midfielder a rare start against the Edinburgh club tonight.

Rodgers said [The Sun], “It’s finding that complete package. Callum McGregor has played in that deeper role for a few years, but it’s something I’ve thought about for sure.

“Tomo would have played in Rome if he was available, but sadly he missed out.”

Brought on as a second-half sub against St Johnstone, Iwata made a big difference as he got involved in the fight back against Craig Levein’s men.

The Japan midfielder also came on as a sub against Hearts and scored in the 4-1 win at Tynecastle so Rodgers must be thinking about giving the former J League MVP his first start of the season tonight.

If he does, it will be well deserved as Iwata has silently gone about his business without making a fuss and producing on the park when called upon.

And, if picked, it will be interesting to see how Callum McGregor‘s role changes in the team as Rodgers is unlikely to play two holding midfielders against Hibs.

In other news, Celtic want to sign a player that Barry Ferguson would really like at Rangers