CELTIC have been dealt a big blow with the news that Callum McGregor faces a spell in the sidelines through injury.
Ange Postecoglou this morning confirmed that the skipper's recovery period "isn't short-term".
That means that the Australian has a McGregor-shaped void in the middle of the park to fill in the Scotland international's absence.
Oliver Abildgaard replaced the captain in Leipzig as the Hoops went down 3-1 in Germany.
And the Danish midfielder, on loan from Rubin Kazan, insists he is able to take his chance in the starting XI.
Celtic travel to Perth to play St Johnstone in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday.
Asked if he would be ready, the Dane replied: "That’s a question for the gaffer I guess.
“I hope the best for Callum and a quick recovery. If the manager and the coaching staff mean for me to replace him, then I’m happy to do so. But we have a strong squad and a lot of different players that can fill in the position, so we’ll wait and see.”
After just a minute on the pitch against Motherwell last weekend, Abildgaard was glad to be properly involved against Leipzig.
He added: “First of all, the most important thing was to get the win and we didn’t do that, so it’s hard. But we need to move on from that.
"From a personal perspective, it was also my first proper game of football in four months, which was a challenge for me. But I know playing regularly is the way for me to reach my top level again, so it’s just step by step.”
He continued: “I’d be lying if I said it was easy because I was training on my own for three months.
“It’s easy enough to maintain general fitness, but in terms of football fitness and specific exercises, it takes some time to come back. But I’m on the right track now.
"The staff and physical coaches are helping me get back to my level and where I should be. I’m getting there slowly and trying to be patient.”
