CELTIC boss Ronny Deila reckons Erik Sviatchenko has a “good chance” of playing in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Sevco at Hampden.
The Danish international centre-back missed the 2-1 victory at Motherwell on Saturday after limping off with a thigh injury in the goalless draw at Dundee four days earlier.
But the Hoops gaffer is optimistic the defender will be fit for the noon kick-off at the national stadium.
He said: “Erik has a good chance. So we will see. It’s too early to say. He has a grade one pulled muscle, so it’s a good chance.”
Croatian Under-21 international Jozo Simunovic is already ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury while Dedryck Boyata, who played alongside Charlie Mulgrew at Fir Park, missed training yesterday.
But Deila said: “He’ll be fine, it’s just a small thing. Everyone knows what is coming up, it’s just to make themselves ready for Sunday now.”
The Norwegian is concerned about the Hampden pitch after it was relaid on Monday for the second time in recent weeks.
He admitted: “It’s good that they try everything to get a good pitch. Hopefully, it will be good. It’s tough in this weather to get it fast and firm before Sunday. That’s difficult.”
Deila was uncertain about the Hampden playing surface last season, but it didn’t prevent the Hoops from beating the Ibrox side 2-0 in a one-sided League Cup semi-final and then go on to claim the trophy by defeating Dundee United by an identical scoreline in the Final.
Lightning can strike twice – and the Parkhead boss will be happy if this is the case as his team closes in on the domestic double.
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