Hogh and Tierney edging closer to Celtic return vs St Johnstone

Celtic are given a boost ahead of their trip to St Johnstone, with manager Martin O’Neill confirming that Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney are closing in on returns and could feature in Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership match.

Two names back in the mix

O’Neill said Hogh has been back with the group over the last couple of days, while Tierney did “a little bit of work” with the squad on Tuesday morning. The manager indicated he’ll assess how both feel before deciding how much they can play, adding that Tierney has had less time than Hogh. He also noted there are “a couple of other fitness issues” affecting other players.

Hogh, the Denmark striker who became Celtic’s record signing this summer, hasn’t appeared since the second leg of Celtic’s Champions League play-off defeat to LASK on 25 August. Tierney missed the wins against Aberdeen and St Mirren.

Yang absence confirmed

Celtic will be without winger Yang Hyun-jun for the St Johnstone game, as O’Neill said the South Korea international is at the Asian Games and will miss his club’s next four matches. O’Neill described him as a “big miss”, pointing to how well he performs on the ball and the work rate he brings off it.

O’Neill also underlined the focus for the week, insisting Wednesday’s Premiership clash matters more than Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final as Celtic look to defend their league position. Celtic then face the short trip to Ibrox on Sunday to take on Rangers.