MUCH has been said about Celtic’s lack of depth when it comes to centre-backs. Injuries this season have meant Celtic have had to play with a midfielder at the back for some pretty important games. Luckily, Nir Bitton was up to the task in most games to deputise in the absence of others.

Even the Hibs game where the team dropped two points at home, the glaringly obvious need for fit defenders was there again. Brendan Rodgers shuffled his backline in the second half of that game, playing others out of their natural position.

But this looks to be confined to the past after Erik Sviatchenko made the admission that his recovery is way ahead of schedule. Speaking about Celtic’s busy schedule in the second half of October, the Dane was positive.

He said: “There will still be some adaptation aspects and it’s all about getting the right doses of training.

“I’ve spoken to the physios here and they know there is that initial period where you go through and you feel bits and bobs, but I will be aiming to be ready for those games. I don’t want to rush anything.

Erik has found it hard to adjust to life on the sidelines and knows with Dedryk and Jozo the preferred centre-back pairing; he needs to be fit to force his way into Brendan Rodgers thinking.

“It has been frustrating to be left out with an injury, especially with the timing. It happened against Rosenborg away and I had just come back from a minor injury. I was back in the squad and trusted to play in a big game.

“I just want to be fit as possible for selection and then we will see what happens.”

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