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.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely