Mjallby ready for cup action

Celtic defender Johan Mjallby insists he is ready for action if manager Martin O’Neill needs him in Stuttgart on Thursday.

The Swedish international made his first appearance for a month in the Scottish Cup fourth round win over St Johnstone on Sunday after a thigh injury.

And, although Mjallby admits to being tired after the game, he maintains he will be ready for the UEFA Cup fourth round, second leg in Germany if required.

He told the Glasgow Evening Times: “I feel a bit tired after the game but there was no problem with my thigh.

“It was just nice to get a game after so long. It has been very frustrating having to sit and watch.

“I don’t know if I will be in contention for Thursday night. That is up to the gaffer. But at least I am available for selection.

“Obviously, I’m well aware I am lacking match fitness and sharpness.

“That only comes with being able to train every day, something I have not been able to do too often this season. It has been a helluva season for me with the injuries.

“After recovering from my knee operation and training hard in Florida during our mid-season break, I felt I was on my way back.

“But against Dundee United I stretched for the ball and felt something go in my thigh.

“Despite how simply that setback happened, I’m confident everything is okay now.”

Mjallby has returned to action at exactly the right time for O’Neill with crucial games arriving thick and fast.

The game against Stuttgart is followed quickly by an Old Firm double in the league and CIS Insurance Cup final at Hampden Park next month.

Mjallby said: “I started off training last Monday with sprinting. We were all happy with the progress I’d made.

“Initially, we thought the thigh would keep me out for four or five weeks. But it has recovered much quicker, which is great news.

“Now I need to stay fit and train every day. My confidence will come back along with everything else.”