Ange Postecoglou has been speaking the the Mainstream Media ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s visit to Motherwell as Celtic get ready for a run of seven matches, five in the league and two in the Europa League against Ferencvaros home and away, before the World Cup action resumes and we have to endure yet another international break. At least this time there’s something at stake for Scotland…

Last year The Cynic were permitted access to the Celtic manager’s Media Conferences and the fan media were led to believe that this would be developed and expanded this season, but sadly that’s not been the case.

Here’s an update that sports journalist Alison Conroy who writes for The Herald and Glasgow Times has tweeted regarding the Celtic injury situation and it looks like good news with Mikey Johnston available for tomorrow trip to North Lanarkshire, and both James Forrest and Christopher Jullien back in training. Josip Juranovic, who had a tight hamstring in the draw with Dundee United, is not quite ready for tomorrow.

Ange lighting candles seems to have done the trick with all the Celtic players away on International duty returning safe and well and crucially injury-free.

Ange “lit a few candles”…

Ange Postecoglou addressed the media this afternoon to give an update ahead of our crucial away match against Motherwell at Fir Park this weekend. Our squad has been suffering from a spate of maladies for some time now. Josip Juranovic, Mikey Johnston, James Forrest and the long-term absentee, Christopher Jullien have been sorely missed during their respective spells on the sidelines.

Ange has given us a new boost and cause for much optimism post-International break, with the news that Mikey Johnston should be available for the game on Saturday. Johnston has been so frustrating in a Celtic jersey due to his constant injuries. The player could play a vital role in giving Ange and Celtic a different edge on the left-wing position, whilst providing much needed squad depth.

Josip Juranovic is highly unlikely to be involved against the Steelmen in North Lanarkshire either, having still to fully recovered from the hamstring pull at home to Dundee United a fortnight or so ago. However, Clyde1’s Alison Conroy did say that the defender could be in contention for Tuesday afternoon’s Europa League encounter with Hungarian cracks, Ferencvaros. Josip also gives Celtic a certain dynamism on the flank – either at right-back or on the opposite side to accommodate Tony Ralston.

Whilst the update for James Forrest and Frenchman Christopher Jullien aren’t quite as imminent, it’s glad to write both are back in training as of this week. Ange didn’t give a definite timescale for these two crucial players, although we all hope it’s sooner rather than later as the season really begins to hit us thick and fast.

At least the future is beginning to look a lot brighter on the injury front, which means Ange will have the tools that are vital to Celtic sustaining a title challenge this year.

Paul Gillespie

More to follow from Ange…