Ange Postecoglou lays out his terms for Hampden trio

Jota, Reo Hatate and Liel Abada face a week of intensive training to prove that they are worth a place in the Celtic side for next Sunday’s Scottish Cup Final.

Hatate and Abada haven’t played since the win over Hibs on March 18 with Jota missing the last two matches after scoring what proved to be the decisive goal in the April 8 Glasgow Derby.

Having those three big hitters in the squad for Hampden would give Celtic a big lift but playing anyone short of 100% fitness could backfire.

Asked about an update on his injured players after the 1-1 draw with Motherwell Postecoglou told The Sun:

We will see with the boys that didn’t play against Motherwell. They are all pretty close but they need to train all week to be available. We will see how they all are.

There are various levels of training, to play at Hampden taking a full part in training by Thursday would be expected baring in mind the length of time Abada and Hatate have been out injured.

Being able to use five substitutes from nine does open up other options with Jota, Hatate and Abada all capable of the ‘impact sub’ tag.