Thank goodness it’s over! Reality is almost back, and club football returns at Rugby Park on Friday night as Brendan Rodgers sends his side out looking to extend their lead at the top of the SPFL to 14 points.
Kilmarnock were the last side to score against Celtic in domestic football, way back on September 24, with Craig Gordon unbeaten since replacing Dorus de Vries at half-time in that match.
With Scotland having no midweek international game, Rodgers will have been enjoying the rare luxury of getting a few extra days training with his players, although others such as Emilio Izaguirre and Tom Rogic were involved in matches on Tuesday.
With half an eye on the next two matches – Barcelona in the Champions League and the Betfred Cup Final against Aberdeen – Rodgers is likely to rotate his side with the focus, for once, not on the next match.
It seems a long time since the Hoops were last in action, a bruising 3-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle, which saw a few variations from the established first choice XI, and the ‘debut’ of the ‘Blonde Cafu’.
GK – CRAIG GORDON
He got a surprise call up to replace David Marshall and couldn’t be held accountable for the failings of his defenders with Scotland – I don’t expect Kilmarnock to get as many free headers in.
Gordon has improved massively after his nervy start to the season, although cutting out those 40-60 dashes out of his penalty box would be welcomed.
Another domestic clean sheet will do his confidence no harm as he gears up for a busy night trying to hold Barca at bay.
CB – CRISTIAN GAMBOA
Gamboa was excused international duty with Costa Rica as he settles into life in Glasgow. With an artificial pitch at Rugby Park, Mikael Lustig won’t be risked with a 3-5-2 formation likely.
Gamboa is still to impose himself in the team, put in that dominating performance or do something memorable, but he clearly has the trust of his manager.
It’s all about games for now for the former West Brom man with Lustig likely to come back to face Barcelona and Aberdeen.
CB – JOZO SIMUNOVIC
With three matches spread over nine days, Rodgers will be hoping that he can count on Simunovic for 270 minutes of game time.
Domestically, Celtic’s defence has been sound, but the more games he can get alongside Erik Sviatchenko the better.
CB – ERIK SVIATCHENKO
In under a year, he has established himself as the first pick in central defence.
Whether it’s Lustig, Kolo Toure or Simunovic, a back three or a back four, Erik is assured of his place in the side.
His concentration has never been a problem, his reading of the game is exceptional and with every passing week, his influence on the defence and across the team is growing.
RM – PATRICK ROBERTS
Roberts has earned his place in the team and will be desperate to win a starting place against Barcelona next week.
Against Ross County he was inspirational, yet vs. Aberdeen after coming on as a substitute he struggled to appreciate the situation of playing safety first to retain possession.
It’s all part of his development, but on form he has the capacity to create havoc for any Scottish defence.
CM – SCOTT BROWN
After all the fuss about his Scotland recall, he seems to have escaped the fall-out from the Wembley defeat.
It’s more than four months until the international debate comes around again – plenty of time for Brown to impose himself on his team-mates and drive Celtic forward.
The new improved ‘Broony’ is key to Celtic’s game plan with the skipper finding an extra gear whenever required.
CM – LIAM HENDERSON
Rogic’s international commitments will create a gap in the side with the Australian likely to be held back for the matches against Barcelona and Aberdeen.
Has been given a reasonable run in the team recently with Rodgers making a definite decision to increase his top team involvement.
Henderson can play in a variety of midfield positions which adds to the attraction of including him in a midfield five.
CM – STUART ARMSTRONG
He is enjoying his best run of games and form of the season.
Dropping into the right-back slot against Inverness Caley Thistle didn’t dim his effectiveness, the deeper that he drops in certain games the greater the opportunity to run at opponents and impress.
He’ll be well aware that he is playing for a place against Barcelona and that if his form drops Nir Bitton and Callum McGregor can step in.
LM – SCOTT SINCLAIR
A holiday break in Dubai should be just the tonic ahead of a winter’s night on the plastic of Rugby Park.
Sinclair has been a model of consistency since arriving from Aston Villa – and has out-scored Moussa Dembele in the SPFL.
Rodgers knows exactly what he is getting from his former Swansea favourite – a constant attacking threat who always has an eye for goal.
ST – LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Griffiths needs to keep his passion in check, and there have been signs in recent matches that he is getting over anxiety and his worrying tendency to snatch at chances.
His goal against Inverness was a thing of simplicity but at Wembley, he seemed over anxious to impress and prove himself.
After 18 months as the main striker Griffiths needs to adapt to his new status as the support man, he played that role exceptionally at Hampden to set up Dembele’s winning goal against Rangers.
ST – MOUSSA DEMBELE
Fresh from scoring twice against England’s U-21 side on Monday night Dembele will be full of confidence for the visit to Kilmarnock.
Whatever the competition, whoever the opposition is, Dembele looks likely to score, as Lee Clark will be warning his defenders.
No one could have predicted the impact that he would make after signing from Fulham, and there’s no limit to what he can achieve this season with this match providing a launch pad for the visit of Barcelona and the opportunity to showcase his ability to a European audience.