LIAM OUT FOR CELTS & IRISH

Celtic v St Johnstone 3pm

BRENDAN RODGERS bemoaned Celtic’s backline injury curse as Liam Scales became the latest to hit the Parkhead treatment room ahead of this afternoon’s clash with St Johnstone.

But the Hoops boss is hopeful he could have a string of top stars back in time for the Old Firm on April 7 - with Cameron Carter-vickers set to start against Saints today.

Rodgers hailed the US international as a defensive rock who “makes every player around him better” as he gave an update on the Hoops’ crock list ahead of the business end of the season.

Skipper Callum Mcgregor, Reo Hatate and Luis Palma remain out this afternoon but are closing in on returns.

Irishman Scales should be back for the first game after the break, against Livingston, after suffering a knock picked up in training.

Stephen Welsh is set to keep his spot in the backline alongside Carter-vickers (inset) with Maik Nawrocki still sidelined.

Rodgers said: “It’s incredible really. You get Cam back and then this happens to Liam (above). It’s such a pivotal position in the team, especially a team like us who play such a high line and aggressive game.

“The centre-halves are always key. So it’s just unfortunate.

“We feared the worst when he did go down but we’ve had the scan and thankfully it’s not as bad. He misses St Johnstone and the internationals but hopefully he’ll be back for Livingston.

“There have been times when we’ve had three centre-halves out. That’s not a normal circumstance.”

Despite the Scales setback, Rodgers is delighted Cartervickers has proved his fitness ahead of the title run in – claiming he’s a player he can “trust with his life”.

He said: “He’s such a big player for us. It shows you the level he is at because he makes all the players around him better. That’s always when you know you’ve got a really good player.

“His pace, power and his game knowledge - he snuffs out danger and gives confidence to the rest of the team.”