Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi are facing a red tape race to be able to make their Celtic debuts.
The two new signings during the World Cup break and have since trained with their Hoops teammates with a view to being ready to roll against Rangers at Ibrox on Monday. Manager Ange Postecoglou says they are fit and available, but the paperwork process could yet scupper any plans to give either a baptism of fire in the New Year derby clash.
Players signed outwith the transfer window can’t be registered to play until it opens on Sunday. Signings from overseas must receive international clearance from FIFA, which Postecoglou explained can’t happen until after January 1. With the champions due across the city on Monday, January 2, Johnston and Kobayashi will be hoping the bureaucrats get the afterburners on and rubber stamp their moves in time for the blockbuster meeting in Govan.
