Daily Record

HERE OUI GO

Hitman Moussa back for PSG Euro tie

- MICHAEL GANNON

MOUSSA DEMBELE could be in line to make a sensationa­l return for Celtic’s Champions League showdown with PSG.

But the Hoops will be forced to face one of the more feared frontlines on the planet with Jozo Simunovic as their only fit centre-back as Dedryck Boyata won’t be back in time. Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers won’t risk Leigh

From Back Page Griffiths at Hamilton tonight but is optimistic the hitman can shrug off a calf strain picked up starring for Scotland against Malta.

And star striker Dembele is now close to being back in business after spending the internatio­nal break building his fitness in his homeland following a hamstring tear.

Rodgers revealed the French ace is desperate to play a part against his boyhood club.

He said: “Moussa went to Clairefont­aine in France for three weeks and did some great work out there with the medical team, like he did here before he left.

“He is now back and we will assess him. Everyone would love to be involved in the Paris game but if not then he is not going to be too far away.

“Then he is still going to have an impact for the rest of the Champions League campaign which is great.

“But we have to be sure that he is right if he has any involvemen­t on Tuesday.”

Griffiths will be kept on ice for PSG but Odsonne Edouard is set to be let off the leash at Accies.

Rodgers raved about the new Bhoy and said: “He’s typical of the French recently. He has come through their youth system and is super quick. He’s also strong with a good touch.

“He’s on the upward curve in his career.

“Time will tell. It is going to be about attitude, determinat­ion and personalit­y. But, purely on talent, he is a big talent.

“He has modern assets of sheer pace and power.”

Rodgers admitted he was disappoint­ed not to land another defender before the transfer window closed.

A deal to sign South African Rivaldo Coetzee collapsed in his medical and Celts failed to bring back Jason Denayer as he headed to Galatasara­y.

The Hoops boss said of Coetzee: “It was clear we wanted a centre-half and he was a player who was young but had good experience and who came highly recommende­d.

“We were disappoint­ed at the time for the youngster but unfortunat­ely it wasn’t meant to happen.

“We looked at Jason but he had made a promise to go back to Turkey three months ago and we respected he didn’t want to break his word.”

It had been hoped Boyata would return from his knee troubles for the PSG clash but it will come to soon.

Rodgers said: “Dedryck might not be available for the first game in the Champions League but he will be ready after that.”

The Hoops gaffer also confirmed Simunovic will face Accies tonight – despite concerns over artificial surfaces – as the stopper lacks match practice after a month out.

 ??  ?? Boyata, left, is still out but Edouard is set for debut
Boyata, left, is still out but Edouard is set for debut
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