Brendan Rodgers bullish in face of Celtic injury blow as he goes above and beyond to big up Stephen Welsh

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed star defender Cameron Carter-Vickers will miss the game against Rangers but is certain Stephen Welsh is ready to make a telling impact.

The 25-year-old hobbled off against Dundee and fears were heightened over his availability after he was a no show at training before the top of the table tussle against the Ibrox side. And now the Irishman has confirmed the worst fears over Carter-Vickers with Welsh primed to start alongside Liam Scales in the heart of the Celtic defence. The stakes are high for the Premiership champions who know they will be eight points clear to bring in the New Year if they defeat their fierce rivals on home turf.

Philippe Clement's side will have two games in hand but the chance to stretch their advantage would be welcomed by those of a Celtic persuasion. And the 50-year-old – speaking ahead of a Premiership fixture he has only lost once in 14 occasions – was in a positive mindset despite the blow over Carter-Vickers. He said: "He'll not be available for the next couple of games. Not longer term but we probably won't see him until after the break.

"I always think it is an opportunity for someone else. Like we had in the last game with Gustaf and Liam Scales, for the likes of Liam it was the making of him. It's always a sadness when you lose a top player but hopefully it's not too long a time and he can stay clear of injury for the second part of the season."

And Rodgers admits he is bullish in the ability of Welsh to shine if opportunity presents itself to start alongside Scales in the white-hot derby atmosphere and admits he has been a long-term admirer. He added: "Stephen played against Feyenoord and played very well. I've really liked seeing him, I