Preview: Celtic v Stade Rennais: Backup comes to the fore

Joe Ledley has risen to the challenge of filling injured Emilio Izaguirre’s shoes, reports Moira Gordon

NEIL Lennon isn’t in the position where he can acclaim too many of his players for producing consistently worthy performances so far this season. While some have flickered in and out of the kind of form which earned them praise last term, others have been shadows of themselves.

In Joe Ledley, the Celtic manager has a man to be thankful for and, in the absence of last season’s Player of the Year, Emilio Izaguirre, he is truly thankful. The Honduras left-back is expected back from injury ahead of schedule and it can’t come quick enough for those of a Celtic persuasion, but in the meantime, Ledley will be asked to fill the void against Rennes at Celtic Park. The French team travel to Glasgow for the latest instalment of the Europa League story and with Badr El Khaddouri cup tied, the midfielder will be asked to reprise the role he played in the away tie.

“Joe Ledley has played left-back in a couple of the games,” said Lennon. “He gives us the balance on the left side. He’s done very well in that position. I thought he was excellent in France, though we pushed him up one when they brought their quick wingers on.

“I think [Rennes] might come a bit stronger. Jonathan Pitroipa and Jires Kembo Ekoko may start the game so we’ll see what shape we’re in, but it’s a game we’d love to win because it would put us in with a real shout. I’ve always said that it’s important to win the home games. I thought we were unfortunate not to beat Udinese. We played well in Rennes, but they’re a very dangerous side with a lot of pace in the team. They’re good on the counter attack so we’ll have to be very wary. We have to get on the front foot and take the game to them.

“We’ve played well in these games without reward. But for the late Udinese penalty we’d have four points. We were good value for a win until a refereeing decision went against us and I thought we got a really good point in France, the performance was good. Defensively we did as well as we could and we created more chances than we normally do in Europe which pleased me.”

Defensively Celtic have undoubtedly had their problems. But as Lennon tries to resolve the issue by chopping and changing in an attempt to find the best unit, Welshman Ledley has given him little cause for consternation.

“I know Joe’s reluctant to [play at left-back] at times, but he’s been brilliant this season. He had a great game in midfield [against Hibs] on Wednesday and ideally we would keep him there, but he can play left-back.”

Izaguirre is recovering from the ankle injury which has sidelined him for the first few months of the season and while a return is not imminent, Lennon is aware of the boost he will give Celtic’s cause.

“He keeps telling me he’s going to be fit next week!” said the Celtic boss. “He’s going to start running next week and maybe after that we’ll have him back in training which will give everyone a lift because there’s no doubt we miss his style of play and what he brings to the team. There’s real fluency in the balance he gives us. When you lose a player of that quality there is a flow to the team that is missing. I think he’ll come back even better. He realises what it’s like to be out for a period now but I know when you’ve been out for a while there’s no substitute for playing. He always plays with a smile on his face and he’s missed all that so hopefully when the leg heals he might even be better for it.”

A return would allow the Celtic boss to push Ledley into his preferred midfield berth. This season the dips in form and sporadic injuries have rendered it tough to find the correct blend in the middle of the park as well, as Lennon juggles the need to protect the unconvincing rearguard and the demand for getting goals. But in Ledley he knows he has a player, with defensive abilities, a fair helping of flair and the penchant for a goal or two.

“Joe is in a real good place at the minute, he’s really consistent at the moment and Wednesday was his best game of the season. He just kept prompting the attacks and played some really good football. He’s been a really good signing for us.” He admitted that in the past Ledley had been something of an unsung hero but believes people now recognise his value.

“I think he’s gone past that stage now. The fans have really taken to him and appreciate the type of player he is. He gets his fair share of goals as well which is pleasing from midfield. Ki (Sung-Yueng) and James Forrest have also scored for us. I think Joe has got a fair amount of skill about him, but he does do the simple things very well. Paul Lambert was a bit like that to a certain extent and he could weigh in with goals as well. Paul was a class player and I think Joe is developing into a real top-class player now and one of those who would probably be the first name on the teamsheet.”

But with the European nights demanding victories at home if progress to the next stage is to be made, Lennon concedes that all areas of his team are occupying his thoughts. With Ledley protecting that left wing, the quandry is also where goals are to come from on a night when they will be required, with that win in mind.

“[Victor] Wanyama has done well for us well in a central holding role. We’ve got variation there, it’s where we’re going to get the goals from. Do we go with two up in this game?”

It’s another puzzle for him to toy with. With Thomas Rogne not listed in the European squad, the questions concern all areas of his team.

Which is why Ledley’s form is such a blessing just now and Izaguirre’s return can’t come quickly enough as Celtic try to find their rhythm and a way to battle on domestic and foreign fields.