Johan Mjallby has told Freddie Ljungberg he can still have a big part to play for Celtic this season - if he can force his way into boss Neil Lennon's plans.
The Swede's time at Parkhead has been blighted by injury, so far preventing him from making the impact the Hoops had hoped for when he signed in December.
Mjallby said: "It's great to have him fully fit and at least we have a chance to pick him if he plays well enough. With his experience and knowledge of the game, he's going to be important for us."
He added: "It's been a bit stop-start for him and it's been hard for him because every time he's been in contention he has picked up a bit of an injury.
"He's been disappointed with that. Now he's back and he's got a chance of being picked - but the final say comes from the manager."
Also on the comeback trail is Shaun Maloney, who has been out of action since November with an ankle injury.
This weekend's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Inverness is likely to come too soon but Mjallby believes Maloney will be like a new player for Celtic when he does return.
He said: "It might be a wee bit too early for him.
"You need to remember, he's been out for a long time but the good thing is he's back in training, he can train 100% and I think he will need a couple more hard training sessions with the squad and then he will be back to his best.
"Before his injury, he was arguably one of our best players of the season so far so it was a big blow at the time when he got injured. But now he's back and he's like a new signing."
Source: PA
