BT Sport pundit Alan Stubbs has suggested that Scott Allan should consider a fresh challenge away from Celtic after being deemed surplus to requirements under Brendan Rodgers despite the current injury crisis. Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor were preferred in the centre of the park for the recent 5-0 win at Dundee, though Allan was probably the most natural of the replacements available.

Speaking on BT Sport, Stubbs said: “He needs to be playing, wherever that is, whether it’s at Celtic or out somewhere else. It’s not doing him any favours being there, especially with the way that the loan window is now. It is every six months and you’ve got to be out. It’s not doing Brendan any favours. He’s too good. I’m surprised he hasn’t gone out.”

Allan has managed just three appearances off the bench for the Scottish champions this term and this could come as a surprise, given he was impressive on loan for both Dundee and Hibernian last term. Luckily for the midfielder, his contract expires at the end of the season and the Hoops may be tempted to sanction a bargain sale at the turn of the year rather than losing him on a free next summer.

Celtic had gone through an uncharacteristic start to the campaign after suffering two defeats during the opening months. However, they have managed to revive their fortunes over the past month and they are now just four points behind league leaders Hearts with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Celtic have not managed to turn the corner in the Europa League where they find themselves third behind Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig.

With just three matches left, Celtic can be confident of getting the better of Rosenborg but they must secure a victory against one of Leipzig or Salzburg, if they are to progress to the round of 32 stage of the competition.