Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will no doubt be considering his team selection ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup meeting at home to St Mirren, with the title-winning coach likely to be contemplating whether to rotate his charges for the visit of Stephen Robinson’s side.
One man who should well be exempt from dropping out of the side, however, is man of the moment, Aaron Mooy, with the experienced Aussie having been in truly “outstanding” form in recent months, according to his manager.
Having seemingly benefitted from his “immense” displays at the World Cup in Qatar, as per journalist Josh Bunting, the 32-year-old has forced his way firmly into the starting lineup of late, with previous regular Matt O’Riley having been usurped as the Old Firm outfit’s creative hub.
The former Huddersfield Town playmaker currently boasts a tally of six goals and six assists in all competitions so far this term, having most recently netted a delightful dinked effort in the win away at St Johnstone at the weekend.
The manner in which the 57-cap maestro – who has been described as a “leader” for his country by national team boss Graham Arnold – lofted the ball over the onrushing Remi Matthews was a testament to his burgeoning confidence, with it looking as if he is now “one of Celtic’s best“, according to writer Sacha Pisani.
Has Mooy been Celtic’s signing of the season?
This upcoming clash with the Buddies will seemingly allow the 5 foot 9 ace the chance to showcase just how far he has come since his initial struggles following his free transfer arrival, having been hooked at half-time in the meeting in Paisley back in September on what was his first league start for the club.
That rather limp showing from the £23k-per-week man – in which he failed to win any duels nor register any key passes – sparked notable criticism from former Parkhead hero, Stiliyan Petrov, who suggested that Mooy should have done better to track Mark O’Hara for the Buddies’ opener.
Another former Bhoys man, Charlie Nicholas, was also critical of Mooy’s display at the time, stating that the new man had looked ‘off the pace‘ whenever he had featured in the early weeks of the season.
Since enjoying a regular run in the side following the league’s resumption in December, however, the one-time Brighton and Hove Albion gem has begun to truly showcase his class, firmly quashing those doubts over his suitability to life in Glasgow.
The aim will be for the in-form asset to maintain that hot streak on Saturday evening against one of his former employers, with the Saints no doubt set to be fearful of facing a player who looks somewhat unstoppable at present.