Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is comfortable that his fringe players are ready to go when called upon amid an unusually gradual start to the season.

With automatic qualification to the Champions League for the first time in nine years secured, Celtic have only played two games so far while the vast majority of their rivals have been involved in Premier Sports Cup or European action.

When Hearts play in the Europa League qualifiers next Thursday, Celtic will have played the least amount of games of any team in the Scottish league.

The cinch Premiership champions are accustomed to a hectic schedule of midweek action and Ange Postecoglou recently admitted he had been treating the first stage of the campaign like an extended pre-season.

Ange Postecoglou lays down gauntlet to sidelined Celtic stars - 'the players are well aware of that'