Celtic striker Chris Sutton gave manager Martin O'Neill a boost today when he took part in training after hobbling out of action at the weekend.
It was thought Sutton was badly injured with medial knee ligament damage during the 3-0 Tennent's Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren on Saturday.
Doctors feared that he had suffered a recurrence of an injury he sustained at Blackburn Rovers, but he is now in line to face Dundee United at Parkhead on Wednesday night.
Neil Lennon is also ready for a first-team recall by taking part in the under-21s match against Aberdeen at New Broomfield this afternoon.
The Northern Ireland midfielder has not played since picking up a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo in December.
Paul Lambert, Didier Agathe, Steve Guppy, John Hartson and Bobo Balde are also set to return having been rested for the weekend's win.
PA