Celtic strike ace Kyogo could be let loose at Hampden after Ange Postecoglou revealed the fans’ favourite is edging closer to a return.
The Hoops will have David Turnbull back to face Ross County on Saturday after four months out – along with wide men Jota and Liel Abada, who sat out the Scottish Cup win at Dundee United on Monday.
But Kyogo ’s comeback is now on the horizon, with Postecoglou admitting he could be back in the Treble fight within three weeks.
Celtic face Rangers in Premiership duty on April 3 – but the cup showdown at Hampden two weeks later is bang in the frame for the 16-goal hitman.
Premier Sports Cup Final hero Kyogo has been out with a torn hamstring since Christmas but was spotted doing light training at Lennoxtown this week.
Postecoglou said: “He’s been injured mate, he wasn’t kidnapped! He’s been here every day. He’s fine. He’s working towards it.
“I don’t want to put timelines on it but look at Davie Turnbull, he was injured three or four weeks before and they are running similar sort of rehabs.
“He’s working hard and doing well. Hopefully he’ll be back soon. The international break gives him a chance to do some more work as well.”
Postecoglou won’t rush Kyogo but he’s thrilled to have Turnbull back for the business end of the season. The Hoops boss – who won’t risk James Forrest after a knock – said: “It’s massive having Turnbull back. He was fantastic for us in the first half of the year and really set up our season.
“It was disappointing for him to get such a significant injury. He’s worked really hard in rehab and the last few weeks he’s been itching for the opportunity.
“I’ve probably been a bit conservative with him but he’s ready to go now. He’ll be a great asset for us, he provides a helluva lot.
“We’re looking forward to having him back.”
Celtic now have the opportunity to blast six points clear of title rivals Rangers for 24 hours with the Ibrox men on duty in Dundee tomorrow.
The Hoops were the ones who had to play catch-up after the winter break with six fixtures on the spin after their fierce foes.
Celts came through that to take over Gers at the top but Postecoglou insisted he doesn’t believe the pressure has flipped.
He said: “Not for us. If we were thinking that way before we would have probably succumbed to the pressure.
“If we were worried about the outcome of another result or our position in terms of being points behind you kind of get derailed from having a clear focus.
“Whether we play on a Saturday or a Sunday, or what that does to the table, what we know is if we win our game, we will be in a good spot no matter what happens anywhere else.”
