Post by Taxigirl on Mar 27, 2004 12:05:59 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3572987.stm
David Marshall is set to face Rangers on Sunday after his fine display against Barcelona and first-choice keeper Rab Douglas nursing an injury.
Defender Jackie McNamara and midfielder Alan Thompson are doubtful for Celtic through injury, but defender Bobo Balde returns after his Uefa Cup suspension.
Rangers welcome back defenders Craig Moore and Henning Berg from injury and Fernando Ricksen from suspension.
But Frank de Boer faces a late fitness test on his injured ankle.
Midfielder Mikel Arteta and striker Shota Arveladze are both still out injured.
Rangers manager Alex McLeish is not giving up on De Boer, who limped off with an ankle knock during Tuesday's 4-1 win over Dunfermline.
"We are not ruling him out at this stage, but he has gone over on his ankle and it's never an easy one to come back from," said McLeish.
"Frank does have a reputation as a quick healer though and he has made some progress, so we will wait and see.
"Henning has had some pain with an old Achilles problem, but he feels he is ready and Craig Moore feels the same way, so we have good defensive options if he doesn't make it."
Fernando Ricksen is available after a two-match ban, although the form of teenager Alan Hutton could mean a place on the bench for the Dutchman.
Fellow youngster Marshall is likely to start in goal for Celtic after starring in the 0-0 draw in the Nou Camp and Scotland Under-21 international Kennedy could also retain his place in defence.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill insists that midfielder Liam Miller, who is joining Manchester United at the end of the season, could still play a part for the remainder of the season after making his return from injury as a substitute.
"As I've mentioned before, we're all disappointed that Liam's going to be leaving at the end of the season, but he wants to play games," said O'Neill.
"Contrary to what some people might think, I have not got a problem playing him.
"Whatever reaction he'll get from the Celtic fans, I think Liam will be able to cope with it."
Celtic travel to Ibrox with an almost unassailable 16-point lead over the reigning champions, but O'Neill is wary of fatigue.
"We've been playing Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday or whatever the case may be for a fairly lengthy time and I will say that it's definitely taking it's toll," he said.
"We're pretty tired, but I think by Sunday we'll be right for the game, we'll get ourselves tuned into it and if we can go and win then it puts it down to a couple of games from us winning the title."
David Marshall is set to face Rangers on Sunday after his fine display against Barcelona and first-choice keeper Rab Douglas nursing an injury.
Defender Jackie McNamara and midfielder Alan Thompson are doubtful for Celtic through injury, but defender Bobo Balde returns after his Uefa Cup suspension.
Rangers welcome back defenders Craig Moore and Henning Berg from injury and Fernando Ricksen from suspension.
But Frank de Boer faces a late fitness test on his injured ankle.
Midfielder Mikel Arteta and striker Shota Arveladze are both still out injured.
Rangers manager Alex McLeish is not giving up on De Boer, who limped off with an ankle knock during Tuesday's 4-1 win over Dunfermline.
"We are not ruling him out at this stage, but he has gone over on his ankle and it's never an easy one to come back from," said McLeish.
"Frank does have a reputation as a quick healer though and he has made some progress, so we will wait and see.
"Henning has had some pain with an old Achilles problem, but he feels he is ready and Craig Moore feels the same way, so we have good defensive options if he doesn't make it."
Fernando Ricksen is available after a two-match ban, although the form of teenager Alan Hutton could mean a place on the bench for the Dutchman.
Fellow youngster Marshall is likely to start in goal for Celtic after starring in the 0-0 draw in the Nou Camp and Scotland Under-21 international Kennedy could also retain his place in defence.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill insists that midfielder Liam Miller, who is joining Manchester United at the end of the season, could still play a part for the remainder of the season after making his return from injury as a substitute.
"As I've mentioned before, we're all disappointed that Liam's going to be leaving at the end of the season, but he wants to play games," said O'Neill.
"Contrary to what some people might think, I have not got a problem playing him.
"Whatever reaction he'll get from the Celtic fans, I think Liam will be able to cope with it."
Celtic travel to Ibrox with an almost unassailable 16-point lead over the reigning champions, but O'Neill is wary of fatigue.
"We've been playing Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday or whatever the case may be for a fairly lengthy time and I will say that it's definitely taking it's toll," he said.
"We're pretty tired, but I think by Sunday we'll be right for the game, we'll get ourselves tuned into it and if we can go and win then it puts it down to a couple of games from us winning the title."