A WELCOME sight for Celtic supporters has been the return to action after a period on the sidelines for Jozo Simunovic.

The Croatian defender has struggled to maintain his fitness to season but now hopes to put together a run of games in the team and he hopes to start against Hibs on Saturday at Celtic Park.

Speaking to the Celtic View, Jozo is expecting a tough challenge from a Hibs side that he reckons will have a go at Celtic Park. And on a personal level Simunovic hopes that he will get the chance to impress Brendan Rodgers on Saturday.

“I see the Hibs game as a big opportunity for me to impress the manager and earn a regular place in the starting eleven, but all I can do is work hard and try to improve every day.

“I’m sure it’ll be a good game. Hibs are always playing well and they make it difficult for opponents. They are different to many other teams in that they really want to play. We want the toughest tests, though, and this game comes at a good time because it we want to face good opponents before going into the Europa League game next week.

“I’m feeling fit. I felt fit coming into the last game and for sure, my fitness will be even better by the time the Hibs game comes around. Everything is up to the manager and what he decides.

“This will be a difficult game because Hibs are a good team and they are playing well just now. It doesn’t matter who plays because we have a big squad and everyone is capable of doing what the manager expects. It’s up to us in training to show that we are deserving of a place in the team.”

You can read the full interview with Jozo Simunovic in this week’s Celtic View which is on sale now.