Brellier set to return for top-of-table Celtic clash

Paul Kiddie

INFLUENTIAL Julien Brellier is set to return to the Hearts midfield for Saturday's SPL crunch clash with Celtic at Parkhead.

The Frenchman was expected to be out for a number of weeks after suffering a rib injury against Falkirk but, having been boosted by the news there is no fracture, the 23-year-old has been taking a full part in training this week as boss George Burley prepares for the trip to the east end of Glasgow.

Brellier's availability is huge lift for the Jambos and Burley has been handed an extra boost with defender Lee Wallace also back in training.

It was feared the teenager had suffered a stress fracture of his shin following the Falkirk game but two X-rays last week came out clear.

Having left-back Wallace fit will give Burley some added insurance for Saturday, with Greek star Takis Fyssas still doubtful having missed his country's World Cup qualifier at home to Albania last night with a knee injury.

"Julien will be in contention for Saturday," said Burley, "and Lee Wallace also returned to training this week which is encouraging."

Celtic were dealt a major blow ahead of the top-of-the-table showdown when Maciej Zurawski limped out of Poland's defeat by England.

The striker injured his hamstring at Old Trafford and is almost certainly out of Saturday's meeting.

Meanwhile, Rudi Skacel's World Cup dream remains alive after the Czech Republic defeated Finland in Helsinki. The Hearts midfielder was an unused substitute as the Czechs secured a play-off spot for Germany.

Lithuanians David Cesnauskis and Edgar Jankauskas both missed their country's 1-1 draw with Belgium in Vilnius, although Saulius Mikoliunas was a late substitute.


Taken from the Scotsman