Defender hopeful of facing Hibs for Hoops

Jozo Simunovic hopes to reclaim his place in the Celtic side against Hibs in the Premiership on Saturday.

The 24-year-old defender replaced Filip Benkovic in the second half of the 6-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park before the international break.

It was his first appearance since recovering from an ankle problem that had kept him out since August.

Simunovic is hopeful of again being involved against Hibs and expects a tough 90 minutes against Neil Lennon’s side who are second in the table, two points behind rivals Hearts and a point ahead of the champions.

“I see the Hibs game as a big opportunity for me to impress the manager and earn a regular place in the starting XI,” Simunovic said. “But all I can do is work hard and try to improve every day.

“I’m feeling fit. I felt fit coming into the last game and for sure, my fitness will be even better by the time the Hibs game comes around.

“Everything is up to the manager and what he decides.

“It doesn’t matter who plays because we have a big squad and everyone is capable of doing what the manager expects.

“It’s up to us in training to show that we are deserving of a place in the team.”

Celtic assistant Chris Davies is glad to have Croatian defenders Benkovic and Simunovic available and providing competition in defence.

The on-loan Leicester stopper returned against Saints after being out since the end of September.

“It’s great to have them back fit, strong and ready to play,” he said. “It’s important that we have a good pool of central defenders to pick from and they have to fight for their place.”