McLeish: Laxalt may start Celtic clash v Rangers after being humiliated by Kennedy | OneFootball

John Kennedy may give Diego Laxalt a second chance in the Celtic starting XI against Rangers on Sunday, according to Alex McLeish.

The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 28-year-old would be desperate to impress after being “turned inside out” by Joe Aribo in the Glasgow giants’ last meeting.

Laxalt was hooked at half-time in the 2-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Rangers earlier this month.

He was then left as an unused substitute against Aberdeen as Greg Taylor took his starting spot.

Laxalt has started all four of the Glasgow derbies this term but is yet to taste victory.

Rangers have won three of the meetings, while the other finished 1-1 last month.

McLeish admitted Laxalt would have been embarrassed by his last appearance for the Hoops.

However, he suggested Kennedy may want to give him a chance to “atone” for his poor display.

McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “He’s got the food for thought in terms of the choice between the two.

“Possibly, Greg could start again if you’re looking back to the last game against Rangers and Aribo.

“Or it’s a challenge to Laxalt. It could be a case of: ‘Okay, last time around, you ended up on the wrong side of the points players get after a game.’

“He might want to atone for that and show he’s learned that lesson and that Joe won’t turn him inside out this time.

“I’m kind of looking glass half full for the guy but Kennedy’s got a good choice with Taylor as well. He is more traditional but he is very attack-minded.”

In other news, Frank McAvennie is gutted that one Celtic player could quit the club this summer.