Greg Taylor fit for Rangers clash but Sead Haksabanovic to miss out

Ange Postecoglou gave a fitness update ahead of Monday's derby

Published 31st Dec 2022

Celtic left-back Greg Taylor has been passed fit for Monday's clash with Rangers at Ibrox.

Taylor went off after Celtic's fourth goal against Hibernian on Wednesday with a tight muscle but has already recovered.

Manager Ange Postecoglou said: "In terms of the other night, everyone has pulled through that OK.

"Sead Haksabanovic will probably miss Monday. He had a scan and it's nothing serious and he has been training, but not at 100 per cent. So we are going to give him a chance to get up and running and just miss this game

"Tony Ralston is still a bit sore so he will miss Monday as well."

Postecoglou could potentially hand debuts to Canada right-back Alistair Johnston and Japanese defender Yuki Kobayashi, who have been training with the squad ahead of their January 1 signings.

But Tomoki Iwata has not yet arrived after his move from Yokahama F Marinos was confirmed on Friday.

"Tomoki is in Japan so there is zero chance he will play," the Celtic manager said. "With Alistair and Kobayashi, they are available like everyone else.

"We also still have to wait until international clearance comes through. Although they are registered with us, clearance doesn't come through until after January 1. If their clearances come through, they are available and will be in consideration."