Tam McManus has praised captain Callum McGregor after the midfielder was spotted in training after a long injury layoff.
The Scotland international has not played since October, following a thigh injury he picked up against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, and he was originally set to be absent until late December.
However, the 29-year-old was spotted in training during the club’s mid-season trip to Australia and could be in line for a return earlier than expected.
“He is the heart and soul at Celtic,” McManus told Football Insider.
“He took over from an iconic captain in Scott Brown and they are both different players with different talents but Callum leads more by example.
“He is so consistent in his performances, he is an eight out of 10 every single week. A terrific footballer and they have missed him.
“It hasn’t shown in the results but they have missed him in the mile of the pitch.
“Seeing him back training must be amazing, Celtic fans were worried he would be out for the season.
“It looks like he will be back for the second half of the season and that is nothing but a huge boost to Celtic when they are already looking really good.”
TIF thoughts on Callum McGregor…
Having their captain back ahead of schedule will be a huge boost for Ange Postecoglou and Celtic, as they seek to win another Scottish Premiership ahead of rivals Rangers.
The Hoops currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table, and look unlikely to relenquish this lead.
They have still been superb in McGregor’s absence, but his return will provide extra competition and depth to a squad which is thriving under Postecoglou, and his presence in the dressing room will be felt.