John Kennedy has revealed that Jozo Simunovic has stepped up his recuperation programme.
The Croat internationalist underwent knee surgery earlier this year with his last appearance coming in January against St Johnstone.
After that match a scan revealed that he had been playing with a minor broken bone in his knee with surgery quickly arranged.
Giving an update on the defender’s recovery Kennedy told the BBC: “Jozo was out on the pitch today and that is good to see.
“He’s been out a long time, but he needs time to get his levels back up to the point where he can rejoin the group but the signs are positive.”
Simunovic’s return would be a timely boost although it’s unlikely that he’ll be available until September at the earliest.
Various fees between £3-6m were quoted when for his transfer from Dinamo Zagreb with the Croatian club publishing documents covering details of any selling on clause.
Simunovic made his Celtic debut in the 2-2 draw with Ajax in the Europa League but only managed nine SPFL appearances before his season was cut short.
Kennedy was speaking ahead of tonight’s friendly against Barcelona with the hoops coach looking forward to the Dublin clash.
He said: “It’s a game where we can see where we are at, in terms of performance levels, playing against a top side. This is where you test yourself and see exactly where you are at. It gives you a marker.
“We have done a lot of good work pre-season against different oppositions but we are going up a different level now. We can see, individually, where players are at and more importantly, collectively, as a team, how we can handle playing against that calibre of side. It’s a great test for us and there will be a great atmosphere over there as well.”
