Celtic have been handed a boost over Giorgos Giakoumakis with his national team boss rating his chances of facing Northern Ireland as 50/50.
The Hoops striker went for a scan on a leg injury over the weekend and it was feared he would miss out for his country in their final Nations League game. He was suspended for the defeat to Cyprus in the first game of the international break - with his country League C Group 2 winners with four wins and a draw going into the final game.
Gus Poyet picked the Hoops hitman with a view to facing Northern Ireland on matchday six and despite an injury concern, he is now pushing to feature later tonight. That news should mean he will be ready for Celtic and Ange Postecoglou as they return to domestic matters this weekend before the Champions League takes centre stage next midweek.
READ MORE: Ukraine v Scotland on TV: Channel, kick-off time and live stream details for big Nations League game
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
That is one boost for the Aussie boss but he has suffered another blow in the shape of summer recruit Sead Haksabanovic.
The attacker was withdrawn after just 32 minutes after a heavy challenge and replaced by Driton Camaj during Montenegro's 2-0 defeat against Finland in the Nations League. Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara played the full 90 minutes for the visitors.
Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada have also taken knocks over the past week during the international break with Postecoglou no doubt keeping a close eye on developments. David Turnbull also withdrew from the Scotland set-up.
Haksabanovic has been involved in a number of cameo appearances in the Scottish Premiership and landed his first start in the Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this month.
Celtic host Motherwell this coming Saturday at Parkhead as they bid to return to winning ways after their shock defeat to St Mirren in Paisley. It's then a trip to Germany to face RB Leipzig the following midweek.
READ NEXT
- The staggering Celtic transfer fees confirmed as Hoops go all out for Carter-Vickers and Jota
- John McGinn Celtic transfer miss revisited as Brendan Rodgers 'wasn't convinced' claim made
- Ange Postecoglou's hidden Celtic role as he takes 'massive say' in key Parkhead department
- Andy Robertson sent fiery Celtic transfer message as Liverpool star handed Gerrard comparison
