Lustig is keen on a done deal with Cole

MIKAEL LUSTIG has implored Celtic to get a deal done with Calton Cole — to offer Ronny Deila more versatility within his squad. The Norwegian’s side missed a gilt-edged chance to close the gap on leaders Aberdeen to two points by drawing a blank with Hearts at Parkhead. Cole, the 31-year-old former Chelsea, West Ham and England striker, has been training with the Scottish champions this week with a view to bolstering their ranks. While conceding that the Londoner is still some way short of full fitness, defender Lustig believes his capture would undoubtedly add a new dimension to the Celtic squad. ‘He’s not played for a little while, but you can still see he’s a good player,’ said the Swede. ‘He’s experienced and he looks very good in the box. ‘He’s done really well down south and he brings us something that we don’t have right now. He’s different to what we have. He’s a box player and is maybe stronger in the air. ‘You always want new players

Ticks all the boxes: Cole to make the squad better. If we do sign Carlton Cole it’s not going to make us worse — we will be better.’ Celtic welcome Fenerbahce to Glasgow for their second Europa League tie on Thursday still in the unfamiliar position of having to chase down the Dons domestically. A place in the secondary European competition means that each of the Parkhead side’s following league matches is moved back to a Sunday — a perceived disadvantage for Deila’s side as they play catch-up with Derek McInnes’ men. But Lustig feels that, rather than detracting from the Premiership campaign, the Euro tie can actually be a help rather than a hindrance to Celtic’s domestic ambitions. ‘We struggled a bit in the past when we came back from Champions League to play in the league,’ he said. ‘But we were down after the defeat against Aberdeen and then (drawing at) Ajax gave us a boost. We know that we can play good football and take points away from home. ‘I think that Europe is important for us. It’s always good to play well when you have a good result in the bag.’