Celtic handed boost ahead of Zenit clash with star man set to return

Celtic vs Hearts

Celtic host Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League last-32 round, and they have been handed a massive injury boost.

Star midfielder Tom Rogic is set to return to first-team action for the clash since getting injured against Anderlecht last December.

The 25-year-old was an unused substitute in the Scottish Cup win over Partick Thistle at the weekend, and was supposed to step up his return to fitness during Monday evening’s Development League match against Motherwell at Cappielow, only for the game to be postponed.

Having Rogic return for the continental show piece is a huge boost for Celtic given his great influence and quality.

The club’s injury woes are also beginning to come to an end, with Mikael Lustig, who featured against Thistle, and Anthony Ralston, who played against St Johnstone last Monday in the SFA Youth Cup, both providing manager Brendan Rodgers with a timely boost.

The Northern Irishman will hope to get a valuable home victory on Thursday ahead of the return leg, and the returning trio could help play huge roles.