The countdown may have stopped for the transfer window deadline but the clock is also ticking for Philippe Clement to pick his Rangers team for the first Old Firm derby of the season.
The manager is still short of a few players who have been out injured or only just returned to fitness and will have to assess new arrivals Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo.
Rangers defence almost picks itself, and the front three, until Danilo and Oscar Cortes are fully fit, has shown a new cutting edge that was previously missing.
Philippe Clement has Rangers midfield dilemma to solve
In midfield though, Philippe Clement has a dilemma to solve and it is one that could be key to a Rangers victory.
Other than Nicolas Raskin, who is back in training and might just make the bench at Parkhead, the Gers boss has a full compliment to choose from and has a squad in reasonable shape.
Connor Barron has, arguably, been Rangers best and most consistent player this season and will start, but this then leaves three competing for two places.
Bajrami who started the first two games of the season including playing last weekend but the timing of his signing and registration makes it impossible for him to be involved.
At number 10, Mohamed Diomande has more energy and is more adept at dropping deeper and would be many’s favourite, however, Tom Lawrence will have caught the eye with a goal, an assist, and another chance that he could have scored against Ross County.
Then there is Dujon Sterling.
In too many derbies, Rangers have been out ran in the engine room, something that simply wouldn’t happen with Sterling in midfield.
Clement hint at Rangers midfield choice
Speaking ahead of the Ross County win, Clement explained his rotation which gave a hint into what his thinking might be for this weekend:
“Not so many other changes. Dujon Sterling missed a lot of the pre-season so he needs to get minutes to become stronger again and to gain his best form.
“Tom Lawrence was sick last week. It is important that he gets enough game minutes today. [Mohamed] Diomande has played a lot. He has played everything in the last games. He is ready to come in the second half when the other guys get tired.
“Connor Barron had a situation like that last game against St Johnstone and you see how they can come in and make the difference so it is important to make some kind of rotation.”
By resting Diomande against Ross County it looks like he is going to get the nod for Celtic but Bajrami adds an interesting dynamic.
Clement has said that he will be going for the win and not parking the bus so a more energetic and dynamic midfield would make more sense.
With no Raskin, a three of Sterling, Barron and Diomande, has dig, energy, aggression and quality on the ball, qualities that have been missing in too many derbies of late.
