Celtic and Wales celebrate Hartson’s return from injury

CELTIC striker John Hartson is set to hand his club and country a massive European boost with his return from injury.

The Wales international, who has been named in the squad to face Italy in Milan for the crucial Euro 2004 qualifier next month, has not played since April.

The former Arsenal and West Ham forward was forced to miss the UEFA Cup final and the Bank of Scotland Premier League run-in last season with a back problem, which required an operation.

His return to full fitness was further complicated by a recent calf problem.

But the Parkhead club maintain Hartson is set for his first outing in an Under-21 game against Partick Thistle on Monday and could feature in the Champions League qualifier against MTK Hungaria two days later.