Marcelo Saracchi returned to the starting XI against Hibs on Sunday and came close to capping his performance with a goal when he rattled the post at 2–0.

Kieran Tierney, meanwhile, began on the bench and was introduced later in the second half, with Martin O’Neill revealing afterwards that the defender is managing a painful issue.

Speaking to  BBC Radio Scotland, O’Neill explained that Tierney is dealing with a combination of heel problems and a more recent issue that required minor treatment.

O’Neill said: “Really quite simple, Kieran has had a few heel problems. It has been an ongoing thing with him.”

He went on to reveal that Tierney recently had a big toenail removed, which has added to the discomfort and will require careful management.

“Then he had a big toenail removed just the other evening. That is in the process of healing up. He thinks he will get an injection for it if it’s needed,” O’Neill added.

With that in mind, the interim boss said it made sense to start Saracchi in Edinburgh, especially after the Uruguayan returned to training late last week.

Saracchi has looked really good in a Celtic shirt, and you have to wonder if the new manager does like him, if Celtic will see if they can negotiate a fee to keep him in Glasgow permanently.

Tierney is expected to remain available, but O’Neill’s comments suggest Celtic may need to manage his minutes carefully until the new manager arrives and beyond, especially with a cup final and a packed December schedule on the horizon.

He’s just been getting back to full fitness and looking sharp, so this does come as a slight blow.