BHOYS ARE READY TO BUILD ON LAST-GASP VICTORY

Getting past Motherwell will be springboard, vows Nygren

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

CELTIC have made a spluttering start to the season but Benjamin Nygren is convinced they will hit top gear after the international break - and reclaim top spot.

long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic, Eseosa Sule, Jordan McGhee and Zach Robinson when they face Falkirk on October 18.

But on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh will return after missing out against his parent club, while Elijah Just, Tom Sparrow, Callum Hendry and Callum Slattery are closing in on comebacks after several weeks out.

Stamatelopoulos, Ibrahim Said and Johnny Koutroumbis all went off with muscle issues in Glasgow, while Elliot Watt and Tawanda Maswanhise were also struggling towards the end, but the initial signs were the problems were “fatigue and cramp”.

Askou's optimism was further fuelled by the return from injury of captain Paul McGinn at Parkhead.

“It was fantastic to have him with us, especially when Welshy couldn't play,” he said. “You couldn't see that he’s been out of training and games for four weeks.

“So it's amazing to have players of that quality coming back and then being able to deliver from day one.

“Even though I would have loved to sit here with a win, or a draw, I'm still positive in what's coming.”

The Swedish midfielder came off the bench to blast his fourth goal of the season in Sunday's dramatic 3-2 victory against Motherwell.

It may only be the start of October but Daizen Maeda’s stoppage-time winner felt like a major moment.