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Boruc looks likely to return for Celtic

Celtic look set to receive the perfect festive boost with news that goalkeeper Artur Boruc is ready to play against Gretna today.

The Polish international has been out since undergoing knee surgery on Dec. 6 but has now trained all week with no adverse reaction.

And with Celtic playing Rangers on New Year's Day, in what could be a vital match in this season's Scottish Premier League title race, a return against the side sitting bottom of the table would be perfect preparation for Boruc.

Back-up goalkeeper Mark Brown has been between the sticks in the Pole's absence and although he kept a clean sheet on Boxing Day, as Celtic won 2-0 at Dundee United, the Parkhead club will be keen to have their No.1 keeper back.

Since Boruc has been out Celtic have drawn 1-1 at home to St Mirren, won 4-0 against Falkirk, lost 3-2 at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and drawn 1-1 at home with Hibernian before beating United on Wednesday.

These results have allowed Rangers to close to within two points of the champions having played two games less.

Also likely to be playing for Celtic against Gretna will be center-half Bobo Balde who played his first game in a year on Wednesday.

While a home win against Gretna would appear to be a formality for Celtic, it may not be so straightforward.

Although Gretna are rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premier League with only 10 points from 18 games, they are unbeaten in their last three matches -- drawing with Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and defeating Dundee United.

Rangers, meanwhile, will have the chance to go top of the table, for a few hours at least, when they play managerless Hibs at Easter Road earlier today.

However, although John Collins' resignation as coach was a blow to the Edinburgh side they will be confident of taking something from the game having already defeated both sides of the Old Firm this season.

Third placed Motherwell play host to the side directly beneath them in the table, Dundee United.

Hearts assistant first team coach Stephen Frail has admitted the Tynecastle team are now involved in a relegation battle after they lost 1-0 at home to St Mirren to drop to third bottom.

Today they are away to an in-form Falkirk side who have moved up to seventh place.
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