James Forrest has returned to training with Celtic after more than four months out with a serious ankle injury.
The winger has not played since September when he was on the receiving end of a meaty challenge in a Europa League qualifying tie against FC Riga in Latvia.
It was later discovered he had suffered a fractured ankle and would be out for an extended period of time, but the 29-year-old linked up with the first team squad at Lennoxtown on Tuesday.
The midweek clash with St Mirren is likely to come far too soon for him, but manager Neil Lennon has been handed an injury boost after Ryan Christie’s return to fitness.
The midfielder rolled his ankle in the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock last week and did not feature as The Hoops made it back to back victories with a 2-1 success against Motherwell at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Lennon’s side sit 21 points behind Premiership leaders Rangers, but can close the gap slightly should they exact revenge for the defeat to Jim Goodwin’s men last weekend.
Defender Shane Duffy is also in contention for selection after illness.
While no date has yet been agreed for Forrest’s return, Lennon is optimistic the winger will make an appearance towards the end of the campaign.
He told his pre-match press conference: "James Forrest is back in training but obviously tomorrow night is too soon for him. So that's a welcome boost to the squad.
"Shane Duffy had a bit of a bug in the last couple of days but trained today so he should be available for selection. Ryan Christie is fit and back in the squad as well."
