Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has provided a double fitness update ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby with Rangers. The Bhoys have been rather busy of late, in the midst of a tricky run that will see them play 10 games in 37 days, concluding with the league fixture with Rangers next weekend.
But first comes a cup date with the Gers at Ibrox, when Celtic will look to book a semi-final spot and get one up on their biggest rivals at Ibrox, where there will be exclusive home fans in attendance.
Ahead of that one, Celtic picked up a big away win over St Johnstone on Wednesday night. While it was a game the Bhoys were expecting to win, they made five changes in a bid to manage the workload and prepare for Sunday.
It wasn't a pretty performance from the Bhoys, but it was a gamble that paid off for O'Neill, who was able to see his side maintain their 100% Premiership record while resting a number of key players.
One player who was absent from both the starting lineup and the bench was centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was suffering with fatigue having been a mainstay in the Bhoys back line.
"I’m hoping that he would be available, yes," O'Neill replied in relation to Sunday. "He’s hardly missed a minute of pre-season and also the games. He’s been out for a year and he was just feeling really sore on Saturday evening.
"I’ve got much time for big Dane Murray. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I think he’s got a proper career. His injuries have curtailed him for a while, but he’s just coming through.
"I think he’s got a really decent future, and things to pick up on. But yes, in terms of Carter-Vickers, he should be OK for Sunday."
Carter-Vickers being available could be key for Celtic going into the derby, with the centre-back having been their best defender so far this season.
Elsewhere, Kasper Hogh started after his injury, and Kieran Tierney was able to come on right at the end of the game after a couple of weeks out.
Asked about Tierney's recovery, O'Neill added: "It’s nice to see him. We were trying to get him on the field before the end of the game. Even if he’d not got on, he’d have been alright for Sunday."
Celtic will be expected to start Tierney on Sunday, with centre-back Liam Scales having covered for the Scot's absence.
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