It’s been a while for the Celtic fans in the Transfer Tavern to enjoy a game, not playing since their victory against bitter rivals Rangers on New Year’s Eve, so a return to domestic action this weekend is long-overdue for the Bhoys in the bar.

While it’s barely a glamour tie, the Hoops travel to up to North Lanarkshire to take on Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill on Sunday afternoon. With Brendan Rodgers’ side seemingly hell-bent on conquering all before them this term, the start of their Scottish Cup campaign needs to be taken as seriously as possible.

Still, Rodgers can be afforded the luxury of fielding some of his burgeoning talents against the Wee Rovers on Sunday as he looks to kick off another cup run and perhaps even allow January signing Kouassi Eboue a debut in green and white.

With that in mind, here’s the 4-3-3 XI Rodgers should field to batter Albion Rovers on Sunday.

GK: Craig Gordon

Appears to be a stalwart of Rodgers’ side this term, despite the arrival of Dorus di Vries in the summer. The Scotland international will rarely be tested, but needs to keep his concentration up should the Wee Rovers hit Celtic on the break.

RB: Mikael Lustig

Should continue in his role at right-back as he closes in on a new deal with the Bhoys and his attacking intent from right-back will be vital for the Bhoys.

CB: Kolo Toure

The Ivorian has played in some of the biggest arenas in the world, so playing at Cliftonhill is likely to take some adapting to for the 35-year-old. Still, his quality on the ball could be helpful if Rovers are to sit behind the ball.

LB: Emilio Izaguirre

Has been given a chance to stake a claim in the first-team following Kieran Tierney’s injury and the Honduran shouldn’t be tested all too much on Sunday.

CDM: Kouassi Eboue

Barring any issues in regards to a work-permit, the 19-year-old should make his debut for the Hoops after training with them in Dubai. Could be a perfect chance to adapt to life in Scotland and the start of something special in green and white.

CM: Liam Henderson

Was heroic in this competition last term as Hibernian finally lifted the cup and surely will be given a chance to strut his stuff on Sunday.

CM: Stuart Armstrong

Handed a new lease of life by Brendan Rodgers, the 24-year-old is becoming increasingly crucial to the cause in green and white. Able to keep the ball ticking over and press forward, the former Dundee United man is undroppable of late.

RM: James Forrest

Has seen his progress stall of late after a stunning start to the campaign, though his pace can be a wonderful outlet with Albion Rovers likely to park the bus for swathes of proceedings.

ST: Leigh Griffiths

Despite largely being overshadowed by Moussa Dembele this term, the Scotland international will likely be given the chance to lead the line once more on Sunday. Perhaps the best finisher in the country, Griffiths will be a constant threat.

LM: Patrick Roberts

A game such as this seems tailor-made for Roberts. A hugely talented player, the 19-year-old’s supremely gifted runs can be in full flow and turn the Rovers defence inside out.