Martin O’Neill explains Celtic changes for Dundee United clash as Kieran Tierney benched

Martin O’Neill has explained his selection decisions for Celtic’s clash with Dundee United, with Kieran Tierney named among the substitutes and Yang Hyun-jun left out of the squad altogether.

The Celtic manager made four changes to the starting XI, with Alistair Johnston unavailable through injury and Arne Engels omitted as he closes in on a move to West Ham.

Liam Scales and Colby Donovan come into the defence, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sebastian Tounekti also earn starts.

Why is Kieran Tierney on the bench?

O’Neill revealed that Scales’ need for match fitness was one of the main reasons behind the changes.

The defender missed Celtic’s opening matches through suspension and, despite being involved throughout pre-season training, still needs competitive minutes.

“Liam needs some minutes. He missed the first couple of games through suspension, so he needs to play,” O’Neill explained.

The Celtic boss also addressed Tierney’s absence from the starting XI, stressing the importance of managing his workload with another game coming up quickly.

“Kieran is a very important player to us,” O’Neill said.

However, with Celtic facing another fixture soon, O’Neill felt resting Tierney was the sensible option.

“If we had a full week to prepare for the next game, that becomes a different issue.”

Four changes to Celtic XI

Celtic’s changes also reflect the club’s current squad situation.

Johnston remains unavailable because of injury, while Engels is heading towards a transfer to West Ham.

Donovan therefore comes into the team at full-back, with Scales taking the other defensive position.

Oxlade-Chamberlain gets another opportunity in midfield, while Tounekti is brought into the attack.

Despite the alterations, O’Neill insists Celtic still have to deliver a result.

“We still have to try and get a result regardless,” he added.

Celtic changes vs Dundee United

• Liam Scales starts
• Colby Donovan starts
• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starts
• Sebastian Tounekti starts
• Kieran Tierney drops to the bench
• Alistair Johnston misses out through injury
• Arne Engels is absent amid his expected West Ham move
• Yang Hyun-jun is not included in the squad