Celtic have until midnight to register two new players

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Celtic have until midnight to register Hatem Abd Elhamed if they want him to be eligible for the upcoming Nomme Kalju tie.

The Hoops host the Estonians in Glasgow on Wednesday night and UEFA rules (page 43) permit clubs to add two new players by midnight on the day before the first leg of a tie.

That means that Neil Lennon and the Hoops hierarchy have a matter of hours to get the Abd Elhamed deal over the line and have him eligible for Wednesday’s game.

The UEFA document also says that the Scottish Football Association must confirm “in writing” that the Israeli is eligible to play in national competition.

Midnight deadline could be important for Celtic

Having the Israel international available for selection would give Neil Lennon far more room for manoeuvre at the back. He could move Kristoffer Ajer back into the centre of defence and allow Nir Bitton to leave the unfamiliar position.

Not a great deal is known about Abd Elhamed but surely having a more natural right-back in would be a real benefit ahead of the tie.

There’s an argument that Celtic should be more than good enough to see of Kalju comfortably in any case. However, we can’t be seen to be taking the Estonians lightly in any way.

You can bet your bottom dollar that Lennon and his team will be doing everything they can to get the deal over the line before the deadline. However, that might be easier said than done.