Hogh and Tierney close to returns for Celtic

WHAT HAPPENED
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has indicated Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney are nearing returns from injury and could be available to feature in Wednesday's Scottish Premiership trip to St Johnstone (20:00 BST). O'Neill said Hogh has been back in training for a couple of days and that Tierney did some work with the squad on Tuesday, with the club set to assess both players ahead of the match.

O'Neill also acknowledged other minor fitness concerns in the squad but stressed he wants to field as strong a side as possible for the game.

KEY CONTEXT
- Hogh, a Denmark international, joined Celtic this summer and became the club’s record signing; he has not played since the Champions League play-off second leg defeat to LASK on 25 August.
- Since arriving from Bodo/Glimt, Hogh has scored three goals in five appearances for Celtic.
- In Hogh’s absence, fellow summer signing Camilo Duran has been used at centre-forward and has scored six times in eight matches this season.
- Winger Yang Hyun-jun will be unavailable for Celtic’s next four matches because he is competing at the Asian Games; O'Neill described him as a “big miss” and praised his work rate and recent contributions.
- Celtic travel to Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday (12:00 BST) and face two derby meetings that will come either side of their Europa League opener with Ferencvaros following Wednesday’s fixture.

WHY IT MATTERS
The fitness of Hogh and Tierney will influence selection and positioning for a congested spell in Celtic’s calendar. Hogh’s return would provide another option up front and could affect Camilo Duran’s role, while Tierney’s availability would bolster Celtic’s defensive options. Yang’s enforced absence removes a regular attacking outlet for at least four matches, a notable loss given the upcoming derbies and European opener.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Final fitness checks on Hogh and Tierney and whether either is named in Celtic’s matchday squad on Wednesday.
- Whether Hogh’s return, if confirmed, leads to Camilo Duran being moved from centre-forward to a wider role.
- How Celtic cope without Yang across the next four fixtures, including the two games against Rangers and the Europa League tie with Ferencvaros.

KEY FACTS
- Hogh last played on 25 August in the Champions League play-off second leg against LASK.
- Hogh has three goals in five Celtic appearances since joining from Bodo/Glimt.
- Camilo Duran has six goals in eight matches this term.
- Tierney missed the wins over Aberdeen and St Mirren.
- Yang Hyun-jun will miss four matches while at the Asian Games.