Jozo Simunovic could be in the Celtic side to face Hearts on Saturday.
The Coatian defender made his debut in the 2-2 draw away to Ajax but missed the home matches against Dundee and Raith Rovers through injury.
With an initial fee reported to be in the region of £3m the presence of Simunovic is expected to have a big impact on Ronny Deila’s side.
Tyler Blackett and Efe Ambrose paired up in central defence for the 2-0 win over Raith but having signed Simonovic and Dedryck Boyata in the summer the Celtic boss will be looking to see how that partnership fares.
“He’s twisted his ankle,” Deila explained about the Croatian defender. “He’s getting better every day, it’s not big, but he was not 100% tonight.”
Kieran Tierney played his first 90 minutes for the top team last night and looked perfectly at ease playing at left-back.
“He has come a long way in a short time, he’s 18 years old to perform like that,” the Celtic boss added. “He will be important for us in the future.”
Goals from Kris Commons and Stefan Johansen booked Celtic’s place in the last eight of the League Cup with the draw taking place at Hampden on Monday.
Deila made six changes to the side that beat Dundee 6-0 on Sunday with a busy seven day period ending on Saturday when Hearts visit the home of the champions.
The Ediunburgh side looked like they were heading out of the League Cup when they trailed Kilmarnock 2-1 but two goals in stoppage time from Juanma Delgado Sam Nicholson took the Edinburgh side through to Monday’s last eight draw.
I`ve a problem along with many more fans, it`s the system we played last night ??? 1 up front 2 holding midfielders its was Raith Rovers we played, another thing we used to play our strongest eleven, then when comfortable lead change bring in some fresh faces see how they handle it.
am happy we keep winning but twice in last month we should have put 2 teams to bed when we had 1 goal ahead, sorry Rony just my thoughts
Do you think Celtic will beat Hearts at Tynecastle in the qtr final of the League Cup?
Gimme gimme gimme a goal before midnight !
Celtic have two big games coming up.
Hearts on Saturday, and a Europa League game next Thursday.
With this in mind Deila makes six changes for the game against Raith Rovers and this makeshift team wins, yet the torn faced moaners still aren’t happy.
Give it a rest.