Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda give Celtic double boost ahead of Rangers blockbuster

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed influential skipper Callum McGregor has returned to training ahead of the clash with Rangers.

The 28-year-old has missed the last two games against Hearts and Dundee United after he suffered a facial injury against Alloa.

And there was more good news as Parkhead boss Postecoglou insisted Daizen Maeda is in contention to make the squad after limited minutes against Saudi Arabia for Japan on Tuesday.

McGregor has been spotted at recent matches with significant bruising on his face but now is back in the mix for the big one against Rangers.

The Scotland international was left nursing a sore one after being caught by Alloa's Adam King and the initial prognosis painted a gloomy picture.

But McGregor has been in attendance during recent games and appears ready to feature against the Premiership champions.

Maeda will now fly back to Scotland and his manager has refused to rule him out of featuring against their fierce rivals.

Celtic will go top with a win over Gio Van Bronckhorst's side after two dramatic late goals on Saturday led to a four-point swing.