Fitness boost for Celtic as Paul Hartley shakes off injury for title run-in

PAUL Hartley last night handed Celtic a major boost by declaring himself fit for the SPL run-in.

The Scotland international is back for tomorrow’s crucial clash against Hearts at Tynecastle having recovered from hamstring trouble.

With Barry Robson crocked and Scott Brown set for a ban, boss Gordon Strachan is delighted to have Hartley back for such a pivotal period in the title race.

The midfielder said: “My fitness is better. It’s been good but I just did not want to rush back into action.

“ played against Dundee United on the Sunday before the international break but I felt a tightness in my hamstring during the first day of Scotland training.

“A scan showed I’d be out for seven to 10 days and that was a blow, knowing I would miss the Scotland qualifier in Amsterdam and two games for Celtic.

“But I spoke to the manager and he said he’d need me for some of the important matches coming up.

”I’m ready for Saturday. It’s a big game as Hearts are playing really well just now.

“It will be a tough test but one we are really looking forward to and obviously I’d like to be involved.”

Taken from the Daily Record