Charlie Mulgrew has told Celtic manager Neil Lennon he is the man to fill the boots of Emilio Izaguirre after the Scottish Premier League side were dealt a major blow when the Honduran fractured his ankle in the team's second game of the season.
Mulgrew replaced Izaguirre at the left-back slot against Aberdeen as Celtic continued their 100percent start to the season with a 1-0 win.
And with the Honduran international likely to be sidelined for several months, utility player Mulgrew, who can operate in midfield and the centre of defence, has staked his claim for a place in the team to face Dundee United at Parkhead on Saturday.
"Emilio's injury is very disappointing for everybody, he will be a big loss to the team and everybody is gutted for him," the Scotland defender said.
"I don't know if it's my preferred position but I can play there. I've played there a lot and I'm comfortable there.
"At a club like Celtic, you are always going to have to fight for your place. It's a huge club and there is always going to be signings and competition for places.
"You have to be prepared for that and that's the way I've been thinking.
"We've got a couple of players who can play in different positions so it is important with a lot of games coming up.
"Everybody knows it's about fighting for your place in the team and, when you get the chance, it's about taking it.
"I just keep my head down and do my talking on the pitch and work as hard as I can and catch the manager's eye. If a chance comes up, I hope to take it."
Celtic face an anxious wait to see if captain Scott Brown, who limped out of Scotland's midweek win over Denmark, will be fit in time but Kris Commons should recover from a foot knock, although Glenn Loovens remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Dundee United, who sit a point behind Celtic, will have a depleted squad after the departure of David Goodwillie and Scott Severin's double leg break last weekend.
Old Firm rivals Rangers have the chance to leapfrog the Hoops when they take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Saturday's early kick-off match.
Manager Ally McCoist has his own injury worries to contend with after the news Sasa Papac will miss the match due to a chest infection.
There is better news regarding striker Nikica Jelavic, who is expected to recover from a knee knock he picked up in last week's friendly against Chelsea.
Romanian defender Dorin Goian should be fit after shaking off a hamstring injury but David Weir is likely to remain on the treatment table with a similar complaint.
A late decision will have to be made regarding Steven Whittaker, who missed out on Scotland duty with a broken toe.
Elsewhere top of the table Motherwell will look to continue their run with an away win at St Mirren, who have also yet to taste defeat this season, while Hearts play Aberdeen at Tynecastle.
On Sunday, Kilmarnock host Hibernian at Rugby Park, hoping to pick up their first win of the campaign.
Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)
Saturday Inverness CT v Rangers (1245)
Celtic v Dundee United
Hearts v Aberdeen
St Johnstone v Dunfermline
St Mirren v Motherwell
Sunday
Kilmarnock v Hibernian (1215)
Source: AFP
