Ange Postecoglou has been handed a major boost at Celtic ahead of the Old Firm derby next weekend...

What's the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Hoops look set to receive a big lift ahead of their clash with their rivals next weekend.

The report claims that Alfredo Morelos has returned to Rangers with a thigh injury after failing to pass a fitness test to play in any of Colombia's matches.

Buzzing

This update will leave Ange feeling buzzing as the Gers being without Morelos would be a massive boost to his side's chances of winning the match.

The Bhoys are top of the Premiership table heading into the game at Ibrox and it is poised to be a season-defining clash for both teams. A win for Postecoglou's men will see them go six points clear and in with a fantastic chance to win the title, whereas three points for the hosts will see them draw level with Celtic and tee up a tense end to the campaign.

This is why this match is a huge moment in the season and Rangers being without one of their best players will weaken their chances of winning. Morelos' thigh injury has cut his international duty short because he was not fit enough to play against Venezuela on Wednesday, suggesting that he is unlikely to be ready - or at least 100% fit - for the game on Sunday.

In the Premiership this season, the striker has racked up a sublime 11 goals and seven assists in 25 starts. He has been phenomenal - averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.32 - and that is why him being out of contention would strengthen Celtic's chances as they would not need to deal with his huge attacking threat at the top end of the pitch.

Postecoglou will, therefore, be relieved by this news as Morelos - at best for Rangers - is coming into the game carrying a big knock or he will be out completely. Celtic may not have to play against the attacker at the peak of his powers and the statistics suggest that it will be a significant boost.

The Colombian centre-forward was absent from the Gers squad when the two teams last met in the Premiership back in January and the Australian head coach enjoyed a fine night at Parkhead on that occasion. His side won 3-0 as they swept their rivals aside with ease, with Kemar Roofe starting in place of Morelos and being unable to cause any issues to Cameron Carter-Vickers or Carl Starfelt.

AND in other news, Celtic handed huge summer boost on "outstanding" £42k-p/w dynamo, Ange will be buzzing...