Defensive boost for Celtic

Celtic‘s influential defensive duo Johan Mjallby and Joos Valgaeren today put themselves back in the frame for first-team returns ahead of next week‘s Champions League Group A match against Anderlecht.

Injuries have meant that Mjallby has not figured since August 9 and the last outing for Valgaeren came on August 23.

But the pair came through their latest comeback game unscathed in the Under-21s 6-1 thrashing of Motherwell at Fir Park.

That is great news for manager Martin O‘Neill, who also watched youngster Craig Beattie steal the show with a magnificent hat-trick and Bobby Petta fire a reminder with a goal of his own.

But the return of Mjallby and Valgaeren presents the Northern Irishman with a rare selection headache.

Striker Chris Sutton was drafted into the defence alongside Stanislav Varga for the top-of-the-table clash with Rangers at Ibrox, but he they produced outstanding performances in their 1-0 victory.

O‘Neill must now decide whether to change a winning team for the visit of Hearts this weekend before they travel to Belgium next week in preparation for their latest Group A encounter.

Paul Lambert, Ulrik Laursen, Steve Guppy and Stephen Crainey are also on their way back from injury.