CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS is standing by a for a timely first-team return against St Johnstone at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon.
Celtic’s central defensive rock missed the 4-2 Scottish Cup win over Livingston at the weekend with the muscular problem which has proved troublesome since the season’s kick-off.
Brendan Rodgers left the USA World Cup Finals star out of his line-up against David Martindale’s side as a precaution after the player revealed to feeling “a twinge” in his hamstring during training the day before the Cup-tie.
Carter-Vickers, though, is ready to be given the green light to face the Perth Saints following the all-clear after a scan on Tuesday.
HIGH HOPES…Cameron Carter-Vickers is looking forward to facing St Johnstone.
Rodgers said: “We will have a look at Cam, I think he should be fine. I spoke to Cam at length, he just feels everything is based from around his knee operation.
“And then, also, when you have picked up a few injuries from that, maybe from what is a normal twinge, you get that sensation and think it’s linked to another injury.
“Thankfully, it doesn’t seem that.”
The manager, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “We’ve had the scan which has come through fine.
“He’s done some work with the medical team and, hopefully, he will rejoin the training squad on Thursday and Friday and be available for the weekend.”
The presence and influence of Carter-Vickers, a £6million purchase from Spurs last summer after his impressive season-long loan, was missed against Livi, struggling at the foot of the Premiership.
The hosts looked vulnerable to counter-attacks and relied on Joe Hart to produce a lightning reflex save from Michael Nottingham to prevent the West Lothian club taking a 3-2 lead in the second-half.
Daizen Maeda eased the tension when he completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute and Kyogo Furuhashi settled the outcome when he whipped No.4 past one-time Hoops prospect Michael McGovern.
A comeback for Carter-Vickers before the international break would be most welcome.
