Celtic midfielder Aaron Mooy will hopefully be fit to face Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final this weekend, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Lowdown: Huge game for Celtic
The first silverware of the 2022/23 season is on offer for the Hoops on Sunday afternoon, as they lock horns with their biggest rivals at Hampden Park.
It is a massive occasion for both Celtic and Rangers, with Ange Postecoglou once again looking to get one over on Michael Beale, as well as winning his third trophy as Hoops manager.
Mooy has been out of action since the 5-1 win over St Mirren earlier this month, however, leading to doubts over his involvement in Sunday's game.
The Latest: Mooy hopefully fit
Speaking to Give Me Sport, O'Rourke talked up the 32-year-old's chances of being fit for the match:
"Yeah, well, for a final you want all your best players available and Aaron Mooy, I think in recent weeks, has been instrumental in that Celtic midfield as well.
"So yeah, I'm sure Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to have his fellow Australian available for selection for that game because he'll be hoping to put out his strongest team against Rangers and try to pick up that first piece of silverware of the season right now as well.
"Obviously, Celtic have got a lot of cover as well in that squad to try and fill in but yeah, for a final, any manager will want his best players available and that's why Mooy will definitely be one that Postecoglou will hope will return to fitness in time."
The Verdict: Would be a huge boost
Mooy being available would be an almighty boost for Celtic, considering the experience he has as a footballer, racking up a total of 57 caps for Australia.
[freshpress-quiz id=“419088"]
The midfielder's poise and quality in the middle of the park could be so key - he has enjoyed an 86% pass completion rate in the Scottish Premiership this season - with his ability to dictate play so important.
It could be that Mooy is only deemed fit enough for the substitutes' bench, considering a potential lack of match fitness, but his game management could be vital during the second half, not to mention the fact that he has four goals and six assists in the league.
The Australian has been lauded as 'unbelievable' by teammate Greg Taylor and having him back in the fold for such a huge game would be an immediate psychological boost.