Celtic manager Neil Lennon has been handed a boost by defender Mikael Lustig who believes he will be fit and firing for the club’s derby day clash against Rangers after doubts over his fitness.
The Swedish defender has played 36 times for the Hoops this season, including the full 90 minutes against Dundee in their last game before the international break, but he picked up a blow while with his country which put his place in the squad to take on the Gers in doubt.
However, having missed Sweden’s dramatic 3-3 clash with Norway in midweek, he insists he is ready to try and sink Steven Gerrard’s side.
He told the Daily Record: “It feels much better. If the match had been tomorrow [Wednesday] night, I think I would have been playing.
“(Will you be fit for the Rangers game?) I think so. I will train on Thursday and then we will see.”
Opinion
Lustig is one of the most experienced members of the Celtic squad and it can so often be those who have been there and done it who make the difference on derby day. The 32-year-old knows what it takes to sink the Bhoys’ fierce rivals, having done it a number of times in his 268 appearances for the Glasgow giants and Lennon will be hoping he can call upon the veteran’s know how to try and get the better of Gerrard’s side. There is much more than bragging rights on offer on Sunday – victory for Celtic would all but seal another Premiership title, while the three points heading to Ibrox would leave those at Parkhead sweating over the hunt for glory in Scotland’s top flight. It is no doubt a clash that every player in both squads wants to take part in and it seems Lustig may well play his part for the Hoops after fears he might miss out.