Simunovic wants to impress Rodgers this weekend; just one Celtic appearance since August

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Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic is looking to impress this weekend.

Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has told the club’s official website that he wants to impress manager Brendan Rodgers this weekend.

The international break is coming to an end, and Celtic are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they host Hibernian at Parkhead.

Rodgers’ side haven’t been in the greatest form this season, but they did pick up a morale-boosting 6-0 victory over St Johnstone last time out, before the break.

Celtic now face a much sterner test in Hibs, and Rodgers will have plenty of selection decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s clash.

One man looking to feature is Simunovic, as he returned for the win over St Johnstone, which was his first appearance for the club since the end of August.

The 24-year-old centre back has suffered injury problems thoughout his time with Celtic, but is now looking to feature alongside another former Dinamo Zagreb star in Filip Benkovic.

A 2015 signing by Ronny Deila to replace Virgil van Dijk, Simunovic hasn’t exactly lived up to his billing with Celtic, but will now be hoping to really kick on having returned to the side.

Ahead of this weekend’s game, Simunovic has told the club’s official website that he wants to impress Rodgers this weekend and nail down a spot in the Celtic first team, whilst praising Hibs and reassuring fans about his fitness.

“I see the Hibs game as a big opportunity for me to impress the manager and earn a regular place in the starting XI,” said Simunovic. “But all I can do is work hard and try to improve every day. I’m sure it’ll be a good game. Hibs are always playing well and they make it difficult for opponents. They are different to many other teams in that they really want to play.”

“We want the toughest tests, though, and this game comes at a good time because it we want to face good opponents before going into the Europa League game next week. I’m feeling fit. I felt fit coming into the last game and for sure, my fitness will be even better by the time the Hibs game comes around. Everything is up to the manager and what he decides,” he added.