Kris Commons makes a surprise return to action for Celtic against Motherwell.
The midfielder hasn’t featured for Neil Lennon’s side since picking up a horrific leg injury against Spartak Moscow.
Beram Kayal, Charlie Mulgrew and Adam Matthews all return to the starting XI as Celtic look to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat away to Hibs.
“Our aim is to be as far ahead as we can going into the break, that means beating Motherwell,” Neil Lennon said. “There was a disappointed dressing room at Easter Road and I was pleased about that and I was pleased with the attitude of the players.
“So overall although I was really disappointed with the result I was pleased with the performance.
“I don’t want any more setbacks. I’ve set the players a points total now and losing to Hibs didn’t go anywhere to help that.
“But they know what’s required of them and I just want a little bit more now. The majority are giving me everything and it has been a heavy month.
“And to come through it with six wins and one defeat is not too shabby. In 2013 I would like progression and excitement.
“I want us to keep playing the brand of football we have been playing but I also want to try to progress these players on to being even better than they are at the minute.”
Looking to the transfer window the Celtic boss added: “We have been working away in the background for a couple of months.
“We’ve not really contacted anybody yet because we want to be sure. So it might be a case of getting out and looking at players before we make our final decision.
“It’s a tough market but I think we’re maybe an attractive proposition compared to what we would have been this time last year.
“So we’ll endeavour to bring in the kind of player we’re looking for and see what the month brings.”
CELTIC: Forster, Matthews, Ambrose, Wilson, Izaguirre: Commons, Wanyama, Kayal, Mulgrew, Hooper, Samaras.
SUBS: Zaluska, McCourt, Rogne, Watt, Chalmers, McGeouch, Lassad