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Lennon delighted by return of defender

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Image for Lennon delighted by return of defender

Mikael Lustig newsAlmost un-noticed during Celtic’s 6-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle Mikel Lustig made his top team return.

The defender underwent surgery in December to remove excess bone from both hips following the disappointment of Sweden losing out to Portugal in a World Cup play-off and Celtic’s Champions League exit.

Despite playing through the pain barrier Lustig was one of Celtic’s top performers in the first half of the season with Neil Lennon delighted to welcome the defender back.

“It’s great to have him back, he’s had a four month lay off,” the Celtic boss explained. “He’s a great player and obviously when you lose a player of that caliber it does weaken your side.

“We’re lucky in that department that we have Adam and Darnell. We’ve had to shift things round a bit with those three missing.

“Having him (Lustig) back, Adam and Charlie brought a bit of freshness and quality to the side.”

Lustig joined Celtic on a Bosman deal from Rosenborg and after a rocky start to his hoops career has been one of Lennon’s best signings.

With 12 months left on his current deal the Swedish international defender is hopeful that he can extend his stay in Glasgow.

“We have started talking a little bit so we will see what happens there,” he revealed about his contract position.

“Players are going to leave, it is always going to be like that especially if you are doing well. I think it is really important to keep the main squad and I think we’re going to have a really good season next year.

“We’ve been in the Champions League two years in a row and it’s been the most incredible thing I’ve done football wise.

“That’s the main goal and that’s going to start straight away in July. The first couple of months in July and August are obviously the most important.

“I really enjoy it here. (Champions League) is just a bonus. Celtic is a really big club and it doesn’t matter if I’m playing in the league or a cup it is a really big honour to wear the jersey.”

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