Neil Lennon has confirmed James Forrest will be back in training in the next couple of weeks as he recovers from an ankle injury.
The influential Celtic winger has been sidelined since September and the Hoops have sorely missed his attacking threat.
But the Scotland international is on the mend and Lennon says his return will be like a new signing for his side.
He said: "Jamesy will hopefully be back in training in a couple of weeks.
"He’s been hugely missed. Not only his goals, but assists as well. He was coming into really good form. It’s been a very frustrating period for him but having him back will be like a new signing."
Celtic host Dundee United on Wednesday night as they look to build on their winning run heading into the derby against Rangers on Saturday.
And the Northern Irishman is delighted how his side are trending after their efforts against Hamilton on Boxing Day.
Christopher Jullien, who missed the comfortable win at Accies, has fully recovered from a knock and is available for the visit of the Tangerines.
Lennon added: "Jullien is fit, available and in contention. We’re on a decent run and we want to maintain it. We are playing a good side tomorrow night. They’ve got good strikers. I think it’ll be a really good game and then another big game at the weekend."
"The players showed a lot of good body language and their intent to score goals at the weekend was good so I’ll be looking for more of the same.
"Saturday was the best we’ve played in a while, I was absolutely delighted with the performance. A real will to win and it was a real good step in the right direction.
"We’ve put a decent run together and players are starting to find their feet and form. Winning the final was a huge lift for them and they seem to be playing with a lot more freedom - the style of football we want from them."
