Ange Postecoglou had cautious encouragement for Chris Jullien after he made his first appearance of the season.
The defender suffered damage to his knee in the final match of 2020 with the Celtic side much changed since his last appearance which was in an empty stadium.
Jullien made the bench for three matches from the Scottish Cup tie away to Alloa but failed to be included in the matchday squad for the last three matches.
The Frenchman was given a very warm welcome when he replaced Cameron Carter-Vickers in the 74th minute of today’s Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers.
Speaking to BBC Scotland after the match, Postecoglou said:
It was good to get Christopher Jullien some game time. He’s been working really hard. Hopefully the 20 minutes of so today will give him encouragement to go back and keep working hard.
Postecoglou has rotated most areas of his side in recent games but goalkeeper and central defence seems to be out of bounds.
Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have played every minute of all six Premiership matches this season with Stephen Welsh left on the bench.
There may be no immediate opening for Jullien but with the Frenchman back on the park Postecoglou has extra back-up as Celtic contend for three trophies in the final months of the season.
