Martin O'Neill has backed Shim Mheuka to deliver the goods for Celtic after tipping the teenage striker to make his mark at Parkhead.
The 18-year-old has been forced to bide his time for opportunities since arriving on loan from Chelsea. But the powerful frontman offered a timely reminder of his quality on international duty, netting twice for England Under-20s against France and Germany.
Striker could start against Motherwell
With Kasper Hogh enduring a seven-game goal drought, Mheuka could be handed his chance to impress against Motherwell at Fir Park.
O'Neill has been encouraged by the youngster's impact in his limited minutes so far and said: "I think he's made a really decent impact in the short spells he's been on.
"And this lad wants to play, which is encouraging as well. And he's done well when he's away.
"So I think this experience is doing the world of good for him. But I just want it to be a great experience for us as well too. And I think it can be. I think he can do something."
Long-term potential and injury update
O'Neill was also asked whether Celtic could eventually hang their hat on the rising starlet - who penned a bumper long-term deal at Stamford Bridge before heading to Parkhead on loan.
He said: "I think you can. And he will improve, no doubt at all.
"There's little things he can. If he shifts the ball, occasionally going left rather than right. All silly things I'm talking about. But overall, yeah, I think he's definitely got a career.
"And obviously Chelsea do as well too, because they've renewed his contract, you know? Big time."
Meanwhile, O'Neill has confirmed Dutch youngster Joel van den Berg is making progress in his recovery from an ankle injury. The £3.4million summer signing from PSV was pictured wearing a moon boot before the international break after picking up a knock in training.
The 19-year-old midfielder is yet to make his Celtic debut, but O'Neill expects him to return to training soon.
He added: "Yeah, he's making good progress. He's up for that, there. He hurt himself in training here. So he's got that off. I think he'll be, as they say, on the grass very shortly."
Tough test expected at Fir Park
Today's match is Celtic's first visit to Fir Park since they required a controversial stoppage-time penalty to defeat Well 3-2 and keep their title hopes alive in the penultimate match of last season.
Hoops boss O'Neill is expecting another tough test as his side return to action following an international window in which many of his players have barely trained with their club-mates.
"I've never had an easy game there and I don't see it being any different," said O'Neill.
"Last season was obviously a great result for us to win the game. I'd take the exact same score. I'm obviously pleased to see the international players back. It was the first time that we've done some work on Friday."
Jota could return to the Celtic squad for the first time in almost 18 months after recovering from cruciate ligament damage but Alistair Johnston remains sidelined and Cameron Carter-Vickers is a doubt.
