Brendan Rodgers faces an intriguing selection dilemma ahead of Celtic’s trip to McDiarmid Park to face St Johnstone, particularly in central defence. Maik Nawrocki’s return to the starting lineup has been one of the more unexpected yet positive developments in recent weeks, with the Polish defender taking full advantage of the opportunity presented by injuries to other key players. After months on the fringes of the squad, he has now played back-to-back games, first in the Glasgow Derby defeat and then in the dominant 3-0 victory over Hearts. His performances in both matches have been commendable, raising the question of whether he should retain his place or if Rodgers will restore Auston Trusty to the side if he is deemed fit enough.
Nawrocki’s situation this season has been a difficult one. Signed last summer in a £4.3 million deal from Legia Warsaw, he was expected to be a key part of Celtic’s defence, but injuries and the form of others meant that he quickly found himself out of the first-team picture. The emergence of Liam Scales as an undroppable figure, coupled with the summer addition of Trusty and the ever-reliable Cameron Carter-Vickers, saw Nawrocki’s game time severely limited. Prior to his recent starts, his appearances had been few and far between, making his sudden reintroduction all the more impressive.
Rodgers has always been clear about his preference for a left-footed centre-half on the left side of the defence. This tactical decision allows for quicker transitions, more fluid build-up play, and better angles for passing out from the back. That is why Scales, despite initial skepticism from some fans, became such an important player under Rodgers this season. When Scales suffered a head injury that required surgery and ruled him out until at least the Kilmarnock game, the natural replacement would have been Trusty, another left-footer. However, the American has been dealing with a calf strain, forcing Rodgers to look elsewhere. That led to Nawrocki’s unexpected return to the team, and to his credit, he has risen to the challenge.
His first game back, in the Glasgow Derby at Ibrox, was a baptism of fire. Celtic struggled overall in that match, suffering a disappointing defeat, but Nawrocki was one of the few players who emerged with credit. He handled the pressure well and showed that he could be a reliable option when called upon. His reward was another start against Hearts, where he put in an even stronger performance, helping Celtic secure a convincing 3-0 victory.
Rodgers has been full of praise for Nawrocki’s professionalism, highlighting the defender’s attitude in training and his readiness to step up when needed. The Celtic manager has acknowledged how difficult it must have been for him to sit on the sidelines for much of the season, but he has also stressed that competition for places is fierce. With Carter-Vickers, Trusty, and Scales performing so well, Nawrocki’s patience was tested. However, his hard work behind the scenes has paid off, and he now finds himself in contention for another start.
The question now is whether Rodgers will stick with Nawrocki for a third consecutive match or if Trusty will be reintroduced. Trusty’s fitness remains uncertain, and Rodgers has been careful not to rush players back from injury. If Trusty is not fully ready, Nawrocki will likely keep his place. Even if Trusty is available, Rodgers may feel that Nawrocki has done enough to warrant another start, rewarding his strong performances and allowing him to build further confidence.
For the large Celtic support traveling to McDiarmid Park, this selection decision will be a major talking point. St Johnstone, while struggling this season, will look to make life difficult for Celtic, and Rodgers will want to ensure that his backline is as solid as possible. The Hoops will be aiming for another dominant display to maintain their lead in the title race, especially with Rangers also picking up points in their dramatic 4-3 win over Dundee.
Celtic’s advantage in goal difference over their rivals could prove crucial as the season enters its final stretch. Every match is now a must-win, and defensive solidity will be key in ensuring that the team remains in control of their own destiny. Nawrocki has certainly proven his worth in recent weeks, and if he starts again against St Johnstone, it will be another opportunity for him to stake his claim for a more regular role in the squad.
Whatever Rodgers decides, the situation has demonstrated the value of having a deep squad. Injuries and absences are inevitable over the course of a long season, and having players like Nawrocki ready to step in and perform at a high level is essential for a team with ambitions of winning multiple trophies. His performances have given Rodgers something to think about, and even when Scales and Trusty return to full fitness, Nawrocki may have done enough to ensure that he remains firmly in the manager’s plans.