Celtic v St Mirren: Teams named as champions begin defence of Premiership title

Premiership champions Celtic get the defence of their title under way against St Mirren at Parkhead on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers and Stephen Robinson have named their starting teams for the final top-flight game of the opening weekend.

The Hoops will be looking to lay down on a marker on their quest towards five-in-a-row as the league flag is hoisted high in-front of an expectant home crowd.

Meanwhile the visitors will also be looking to get their season off to as best a start as possible as they aim for a fourth consecutive top-sixth finish.

Celtic legend Paul McStay, who made 678 appearances for the Hoops during a 16-year playing career, has been handed the task of unfurling the league flag ahead of the game.

The champions start with Kasper Schmeichel in goals and a defence of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Kieran Tierney.

Captain Callum McGregor anchors a three-man midfield beside Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren, with Daizen Maeda and Yang looking to provide the ammunition for Adam Idah up top.

St Mirren have Shamal George between the sticks behind a back-three of Marcus Fraser, Alex Gogic and Richard King with Jayde Richardon and Declan John in the wing-back positions.

Killian Phillips, Mark O’Hara, and Fraser Taylor are in midfield with Mikael Mandron and Roland Idowu leading the line.