Besiktas planning to bench key player for Celtic clash

Besiktas are said to be planning to keep Orkun Kokcu on the bench for their Europa League clash with Celtic. The Bhoys welcome the Turkish side to Parkhead on Thursday night in what is likely a must-win.

Celtic have failed to rack up a single point from their first three Europa League games, and they are going to need to rack up nine to 10 points to stand a chance of progressing to the next round.

The Bhoys need to get at least something here, and if it's not a win, they will still be leaving themselves with a lot to do in the remaining four games.

Besiktas, meanwhile, have seven points from their first three, and they will be happy with that return, putting them on course to secure automatic progression to the Round of 16.

The Turkish side did suffer a two-goal collapse in the league over the weekend, ultimately drawing 2-2, and they have struggled away from home in the league, winning only one of five games on the road.

But they did have better luck in their single Europa League away game so far, beating Hoffenheim on the road.

But as they prepare to head to Glasgow, it seems they have already made a decision on captain Kokcu, who is due to return from injury.

According to A Sport, Besiktas are planning to start Kokcu on the bench against Celtic regardless of his condition, and they will not start him until this weekend, which is the final game before the international break.

That could be a boost for Celtic, but Besiktas still have plenty of talent to rely upon, with Leandro Trossard and Dusan Vlahovic, who both scored over the weekend, the standout talents.

The Celtic back line is going to have their work cut out o keep those two quiet.