The arrival of Carl Starfelt will be a huge lift for Celtic 's Scottish Premiership opener with Hearts tomorrow night, as Ange Postecoglou looks to take the pressure off his young defence.
The Hoops have had to rely on the young heads of Stephen Welsh and Dane Murray in recent games but the 26-year-old Swede could be drafted straight into the starting line-up as the Parkhead boss calls on experience for the clash at Tynecastle.
Postecoglou said: "I think it's been a bit unfair the pressure I have exposed some of our younger defenders to so far, and they have done awfully well.
"Callum McGregor has done an unbelievable job as a leader in these first few games. He has stood up both in attitude, performance, everything.
"But he needs help, he needs some other experienced heads and it's good to get Carl here. I think it's a boost for the whole squad."
The average age of Celtic's back four was 21 in Wednesday's C hampions League defeat to Midtjylland.
But a returning Nir Bitton will also be available for selection, meanwhile Leigh Griffiths remains out for the trip to Edinburgh.
Postecoglou added: "Even to get Nir Bitton back also helps because when you are starting off in these challenging circumstances, you rely on the experienced ones to be able to cope with whatever pressures are around.
"I think it gives the whole squad a lift to see Carl here and I am looking forward to seeing him in action.
"Leigh is probably still two to three days of rehab away. The scan shows he has a little bit of an issue with his calf."
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