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Celtic team news: key midfielder returns, trio remain sidelined

Celtic team news ahead of their Scottish Cup quarter-final with St Johnstone.

Celtic will be looking to bounce back from their Europa League exit on Sunday, as they welcome St Johnstone in a Scottish Cup quarter-final.

The Bhoys bowed out of Europe in midweek following a calamitous display, falling to a 3-1 defeat to FC Copenhagen.

While their journey ended in that competition, Celtic will be hoping to advance to the last four of the Scottish Cup this weekend when they face St Johnstone.

One man who missed the Bhoys’ midweek nightmare was Ryan Christie, however the midfielder is set to return to action on Sunday, as reported by the Daily Record.

The 25-year-old Scotland international has made 40 appearances in all competitions for Celtic this season, scoring 18 goals to help the club dominate the Scottish Premiership.

Three of Christie’s goals came against St Johnstone back in August, as his side romped to a 7-0 victory at Celtic Park on the opening day.

Olivier Ntcham won’t feature for Neil Lennon’s side though, as he remains out with a calf problem picked up in the first leg of their Europa League tie with Copenhagen.

Celtic defender Hatem Abd Elhamed is also sidelined with a groin injury while youngster Mikey Johnston has a long term knee issue.

Form against St Johnstone this season would lead supporters of the Bhoys to believe they are in for an easy route to the semi-finals, having defeated their quarter-final opponents 7-0 and 3-0 this season.

Celtic will be in for a much sterner test though as they are unbeaten in their last six games, a run which includes last weekend’s 2-2 draw at home to Rangers.

While Lennon’s men are sat 12-points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with the title seemingly wrapped, the Scottish Cup presents an opportunity for yet another piece of silverware.

Victory on Sunday would be the perfect way to avenge their midweek disappointment, and would also see Celtic go within two more wins of lifting the trophy.

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