Full Celtic squad update from Martin O’Neill on Iheanacho, Tierney and Johnston before Rangers clash

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Martin O’Neill has been speaking ahead of Celtic’s Glasgow Derby match this weekend.

The Hoops face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, as they look to defend the trophy won on penalties after a 0-0 draw in last season’s final.

That trophy was won by Brendan Rodgers, but he will not be defending it after his shock decision to resign as Celtic manager on Monday which paved the way for O’Neill’s return.

His interim spell got off to the perfect start with a 4-0 win against Falkirk on Wednesday at Celtic Park, but this weekend’s clash will be a bigger test.

And O’Neill has discussed his squad situation ahead of the showdown tie at Hampden.

Martin O’Neill gives Celtic injury update ahead of Rangers clash

O’Neill’s side got through the Falkirk match on Wednesday unscathed, but the same can’t be said about last week’s win against Sturm Graz.

Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers all suffered injuries in the encounter.

READ MORE: Callum McGregor lifts lid on Brendan Rodgers chat after shock Celtic resignation

For Carter-Vickers, the issue will potentially be season-ending, but the other two are closer to returning to action. Johnston was returning for the first time since August on the night.

And ahead of the showpiece match at Hampden, O’Neill firstly discussed the situation for Iheanacho.

He said of the Nigerian: “Yeah, doing fine. Doing fine at this minute. We’ll have a little look tomorrow and see how things are.

“The same with Kieran. Kieran finished the game, didn’t he, against Hearts, but then felt it in training. A bit of a groin strain.

But I think he’s going to be training tomorrow, and will hopefully be fit for selection on Sunday.”

Asked about Johnston, O’Neill said: “Yeah, I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s a lively lad, isn’t he! Really lively. Really nice fella.

“I kind of got to know him before, because when he was at Nashville, he was being coached by Stevie Guppy. So we’ve had a little chat about Stevie, and that was nice.

“I don’t think he’s a million miles away, but he wouldn’t be available for any of these games in close proximity.”

Given the performance of players such as Marcelo Saracchi and James Forrest on Wednesday, O’Neill has some big decisions on his hands.