Whilst Rangers still have the small matter of a Europa League showdown against Spurs at Ibrox, Celtic have an extra two day advantage ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hampden.
The Parkhead side aren’t quite home and dry in the Champions League following a 0-0 draw with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
But Brendan Rodgers will know that a victory over BSC Young Boys on MD7 will all but guarantee progression.
Having been amongst the early kick-offs on Tuesday’s Champions League matches, Celtic also have the added benefit of getting back to Glasgow earlier to aid their recovery ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm.
But whilst Celtic have a clear advantage in recovery time ahead of the Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden, they face an injury sweat over one of their most important players.
Celtic manager on defender injury
Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston was subbed off at half-time in the club’s 0-0 draw with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
The Parkhead defender, 26, is a crucial player for Celtic and will play at Hampden if passed fit ahead of the clash with Rangers.
Replaced by Anthony Ralston at half-time, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers claimed after the match the issue was not a muscular one and hopes it will settle in the coming days.
“It was from the tackle on the side, it’s his hip flexors,” said Rodgers, as quoted by the Glasgow Times. “Nothing muscular which is good.
“He just felt a bit of pain, so at half-time there was no need to risk that really. He got through to half-time really well.
“All being well, that’ll settle down in the next couple of days.”
Alistair Johnston on Rangers clash
Alistair Johnston himself was less positive than the Celtic manager about his chances of facing Rangers at Hampden.
Whilst the Canadian international didn’t want to rule himself out of the tie, Johnston reckons it will be touch and go right up to kick off on Sunday afternoon.
“It was just an awkward one,” said Johnstone. “We’ll do some tests on it and hopefully it’s nothing too serious. We’ll kind of take it day by day.
“It’s just a weird one and I was glad I could make it to half time. But I think it was the right decision to put Tony out there and get us through the 90 minutes.
“We’ll see (regarding cup final vs Rangers). Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious and we’ll be back out on the training pitch and get ready to go for Sunday.”
