Spanish star desperate for Celtic Cup return

Celtic’s Spanish midfielder Marc Crosas says he is desperate to return to first-team action in Saturday’s Scottish Cup fourth round clash against Dundee.

The former Barcelona and Lyon player has been sidelined for more than eight weeks with a hamstring injury and the last of his six games for the Hoops came in October.

However, the 21-year-old is fit again and is staking a claim for a place in the team for the game at Parkhead.

“It’s the manager’s decision who plays, but I’m working hard in training and I’m ready to play,” Crosas said.

“It has been a frustrating time. I had got myself into the team and had played several games in a row and was enjoying myself. It is not easy when you start at a club in a new country and to get an injury so early was difficult. But that is all behind me and I am looking to the future.

“I am used to playing in cup competitions in Spain. I made my debut for Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. I would enjoy the chance to play against Dundee. Cup games are usually fast and exciting.

“The manager has not spoken about the cup game yet or about Dundee and I don’t know much about them, but I would relish the chance to play again.”

In Saturday’s other ties, Alloa host Aberdeen at Recreation Park.

The Dons had been expected to rest several players for the match on the Second Division club’s artificial pitch for fear of injury.

But after training on it manager Jimmy Calderwood says Scott Severin and Zander Diamond could play a part.

There is an Ayshire derby as Second Division Ayr United host neighbours Kilmarnock while Falkirk host last year’s finalists Queen of the South, who are currently struggling near the bottom of the First Division.

Motherwell travel north to take on Inverurie Locos hoping to avoid a shock defeat to the Highland League side.

On Sunday there is an Edinburgh derby as Hibernian host Hearts at Easter Road. It is the second week in a row the sides have clashed following last weekend’s goalless draw at Tynecastle in the league.

Scottish Premier League high-fliers Dundee United will hope to avoid any shocks as they take on Third Division East Stirling.

On Tuesday, Rangers travel to Perth to take on First Division league leaders St Johnstone with the Ibrox club’s fans wondering what sort of team they will field following reports any of the squad is for sale if the price is right.

Top scorer Kris Boyd has already been the subject of a bid from Birmingham while fellow striker Kyle Lafferty has damaged knee ligaments in a training match.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Airdrie v Spartans, Alloa v Aberdeen, Ayr v Kilmarnock, Brechin v St Mirren, Celtic v Dundee, Dunfermline v Clyde, Falkirk v Queen of the South, Forfar v Forres Mechanics, Inverurie Locos v Motherwell, Inverness CT v Partick Thistle, Peterhead v Queens Park, Ross County v Hamilton, Stenhousemuir v East Fife

Sunday

East Stirling v Dundee United, Hibernian v Hearts (1215)

Tuesday

St Johnstone v Rangers (2005)]