SO much for an incident of foot-dragging in Italy tripping up Kilmarnock's hopes in Glasgow.
Kenny Shiels had expressed concerns that he would not receive international clearance from the Italian FA in time for Mohamadou Sissoko to make his debut as a fully-fledged Kilmarnock player against Celtic today, after his release by Udinese prompted his return to the club where he had spent the past two seasons on loan.
Instead the Kilmarnock manager must now decide whether to pitch him in or not. Clearance was received promptly yesterday and the Frenchman will be among the squad to face Celtic.
"He is available after the clearance came through," said Shiels. "I have still to select the team so I am undecided about him, but there is a chance he will be on the bench at least."
It is a quick turn around for the defender, who flew in from Italy to negotiate the permanent move to Rugby Park. It is similar to the problem facing Celtic, who must readjust their focus to domestic matters after an exhausting, but belatedly disappointing, Champions League match by Barcelona.
The return from Camp Nou may seem jarring at first, but Gary Harkins does not expect the Parkhead side to show much sign of suffering from their continental excursion. "I am sure I will be asked for my strip to go up on the wall next to Lionel Messi's," said the Kilmarnock forward wryly. "Seriously, it will be different for them but I'm sure they will be professional and treat it the right way.
"I think Celtic are a lot more professional than that. They will treat the next game as the most important one and they won't be dwelling on the Barcelona game."
Kilmarnock will not be concerned with their past visits to face Celtic, either. The Ayrshire side last took a point away from Celtic Park two years ago, but Harkins was not unduly concerned.
"It is a long old time, but records are there to be broken and so at some point I'm sure it will be done," he said.
"It is another game and one where it is important for us to get points. The atmosphere will be great."
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