The Celtic coach expects Leigh Griffiths to be fit for the Old Firm derby this weekend.
Celtic assistant coach John Kennedy has told Sky Sports he is “pretty confident” that left-back Kieran Tierney and star striker Leigh Griffiths will line up against Rangers on Saturday.
Celtic host their Old Firm enemies at Parkhead this weekend as Brendan Rodgers’s side look to maintain their 100% record in the Scottish Premiership so far, having won all three of their games to sit top of the table.
But the Northern Irish manager has two major concerns in the form of Tierney and Griffiths after the duo pulled out of Scotland’s squad for the World Cup qualifier with Malta.
Tierney is one of the country’s finest defenders, while Griffiths netted 40 times in all competitions last term – 31 in the Premiership – and he already has seven from nine this season.
Consequently, having both fit in time for Saturday would be a huge boost for the Bhoys’ hopes of getting one over on the old enemy, and Kennedy is confident that the pair will be fit for action.
“Kieran Tierney and Leigh Griffiths are pretty positive. As the week progresses we’ll see how they are,” he told Sky Sports.
“Treatment and rehab are going well. We’re pretty confident but don’t want to commit.
“Leigh’s done very well and he’s a natural goal scorer. He’ll be doing all he can to be fit. We’re confident and that’s the most important thing.”
Defeat by Mark Warburton’s side would see the Gers leapfrog Celtic – who have played a game less – at the summit of the Premiership.
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