Balde back to face United

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is set to put his faith in Bobo Balde for tomorrow's Champions League match against Manchester United.

The defender has played just two matches this season – both of them CIS Insurance Cup ties – but he will replace Gary Caldwell for the clash.

Caldwell limped out of Saturday’s SPL win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle with a knee injury and is unlikely to feature at Celtic Park tomorrow.

Better news for the Hoops is that Kenny Miller has recovered from the ankle injury, which kept him out of the weekend action, and is back in contention for the visit of the Premiership giants.

Strachan said he had no qualms about throwing Balde into such an important game.

“Gary is struggling and I doubt very much if he would be ready,” said the Celtic boss. “Balde would come in and he has a lot of experience.

“He has seen a lot of games here and I’m sure he will be an adequate replacement.

“I hope that experience makes up for his lack of match practice.”

Strachan added: “Kenny trained this morning and hopefully he will be ready.”

Provisional squad: Boruc, Telfer, Balde, O’Dea, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, Jarosik, Maloney, McGeady, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Zurawski, Marshall, Sno, Wilson, Miller.