DEDRYCK Boyata is on course for a return to the Celtic side in time to face Rangers next weekend according to his manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Belgian defender has been out of action since limping off with a groin injury in the defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park at the start of February, but he has stepped up his training this week as he looks to make the squad for the trip to Ibrox.

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The cup game against Morton on Saturday though will come too soon for the 27-year-old.

“Dedryck Boyata will probably be back after the weekend,” said Rodgers. “So that will be great news.

“He’s been top class, so it would be great if he’s back for the Rangers game. He’s looking good doing his on-field work.”

Midfielder Stuart Armstrong is however still a couple of weeks away from rejoining the main group at training as he recovers from a hernia operation, while striker Leigh Griffiths is set to be on the sidelines for some time yet after seeing a specialist in an attempt to get to the bottom of his calf problems.