Celtic midfielder James Forrest will miss his side's Scottish Premiership clash with St Johnstone, manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Hoops host St Johnstone

The Hoops return to action on Saturday afternoon, following last weekend's unforgettable 2-1 victory away to bitter rivals Rangers.

The win took Celtic six points clear of Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side and they welcome St Johnstone to Parkhead on Saturday afternoon, looking to further strengthen their grip on the title.

Postecoglou almost has a clean bill of health for the game, barring one standout absentee.

The Latest: Forrest ruled out

Speaking to the media before Saturday's game [via The Celtic Way], the manager confirmed that Forrest would again be absent through injury:

"Yeah, James is probably another week we're hoping. He's got closer but he's the only one that's not really available for tomorrow."

Forrest has four goals and four assists in 28 appearances in all competitions this season.

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The Verdict: Blow for Ange's squad depth

With all due respect to Forrest, who has been a wonderful servant for Celtic, the Hoops should be able to get past St Johnstone without requiring his services, given their 11th-placed position.

They did exactly that at Rangers last weekend, producing an impressive performance, and they have got by without the 30-year-old since his last appearance in mid-March.

However, Forrest's title-winning experience in the final weeks of the season could still be pivotal, with nine league titles and six Scottish Cups standing him in good stead.

Without the 30 year-old, who is the only out and out right-midfielder in Ange's squad, the manager will need to rely on wingers like Liel Abada to fill in and do their defensive duties with diligence.

In other news, a journalist has made an exciting Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.