Brendan Rodgers hopeful of Craig Gordon fitness for Scottish Cup Final
The goalkeeper has missed the Hoops' last two matches
Craig Gordon is "highly unlikely'' to face Aberdeen on Sunday, but Brendan Rodgers is confident of having him back for the Scottish Cup final.
A knee problem has kept the goalkeeper out of the Hoops last two games, with Scott Bain again deputising in the goalless draw against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.
The champions will be presented with their Ladbrokes Premiership trophy after the game against the Dons in what is sure to be a sell-out Celtic Park before they start preparing for the showpiece finale against Motherwell at Hampden Park, as they look to complete an unprecedented successive treble.
Asked if he was confident that Gordon would be ready for the final against Well, Rodgers said: "Yes. It was just a case of getting Scott some game time as well and letting Craig try to give it every possible chance because he is a big player for us.
"Our plan was to close him down for the three games this week and see where how he is at the beginning of next week.''
Rodgers also expects striker Leigh Griffiths to be available for the Aberdeen match after also missing the last two matches with illness.
"He should be (back), yes,'' said the Northern Irishman.
"He is back in training and hopefully available for the weekend.''
Celtic defender Jack Hendry summed up Hoops' frustration against a well-organised and disciplined Killie side they have drawn against twice, and lost to once, since Steve Clarke took over at Rugby Park last October.
He said: "Kilmarnock set up for the draw and made it difficult for us, trying to break them down.
"I thought we played well but on the night didn't have that cutting edge, that final product.
"But I thought we played well in large spells.
"I thought we were unlucky. We did have chances but it didn't quite fall for us.
"They set up to maybe get a 0-0 and they achieved that which is disappointing for us.
"Hopefully next time we will know how to combat that.'