Thomas Rogne has played down talk of a defensive crisis ahead of Celtic's vital Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hearts at Parkhead on Wednesday night.
With Daniel Majstorovic out for up to three weeks with a hamstring strain, Jos Hooiveld away on loan at FC Copenhagen and Glenn Loovens making his way back from injury, the 20-year-old Norwegian is the only recognised central defender available to boss Neil Lennon.
"I am probably the only true central defender left but we have boys who can step in and do a job," he said. "I don't know who is playing beside me yet but Charlie (Mulgrew) did a good job in the last game and Willo (Mark Wilson) can play centre-half. So we will be fine - it's not a crisis."
"It's a strange situation of course but these things happen with injuries and everything and you just have to deal with it. There is always a responsibility when you play and maybe a bit extra now that I'm the only centre-half but that's something I am looking forward to."
Celtic were hoping to persuade Nottingham Forest to allow defender Kelvin Wilson, who has signed a pre-contract with the Hoops and who will move north at the end of the season, to come to Parkhead sooner but it is believed the English club are looking for a fee of as much as £600,000.
First-team coach Alan Thompson admitted manager Neil Lennon will have to pick from who he has in his squad at the moment
"I would think in terms of anyone coming in before the Hearts game, it is highly unlikely," said the former Hoops midfielder before pouring cold water on reports that Celtic are interested in former Rangers defender Danny Wilson, who is struggling to get a game at Liverpool.
"There are a number of things we are looking at between now and next Monday when the transfer window closes so we will just have to see what comes from that but at present it looking like we will have to go with what we have.
"It's Forest's prerogative, he is their player although he has signed a pre-contract. We would like to get him in but as I said, there is nothing moving at present.
"You can understand their situation, he is their player and they will probably want to keep him until the summer."
Source: PA
