Marvin Compper could be set to end his 13 months in the Celtic wilderness by starting against St Mirren tonight.
The German has played only once for the Hoops since signing from RB Leipzig but a line-up doing the rounds suggest Neil Lennon could hand him an SOS in Paisley.
Compper ’s first and final appearance for Celtic saw him feature in the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Morton last season.
Rumours were swirling in the hours before kick-off that Jonny Hayes would get the nod against Rangers.
And they were proved correct at the Irishman was named in Neil Lennon's starting XI for the 2-1 win against their rivals.
But a return for Compper would be a shock despite Dedryck Boyata suffering a hamstring tear during the game at the weekend.
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Jozo Simunovic was on the bench at the weekend and the Croat would be the most likely partner for Kris Ajer, with Filip Benkovic not in the squad against Rangers.
If Compper returns it would represent a massive turnaround after Brendan Rodgers had him on the outside looking in at Parkhead.
But the 33-year-old has knuckled down and has been a regular feature for the reserves in recent months and earned kind words from Lennon.
There are plenty of other surprises in the starting XI with the likes of Scott Brown, Odsonne Edouard and Mikael Lustig not included.
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That could offer some fringe players a chance with Timo Weah tipped to earn his first start since February.
Celtic are currently 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership and are just three victories away from an eighth successive league triumph.
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