Harald Brattbakk, who completed his £2.3 million move from Rosenborg to Celtic on Thursday, seems certain to play at least part of today's significant match against Hearts at Parkhead.

The Norwegian striker was so impressive in his first practice session with the squad yesterday that he could force the head coach Wim Jansen to depart from his usual procedure of working with new players for at least a week before putting them into the first team.

"He was a little tired after journeying from Athens on Thursday, following Rosenborg's Champions League match against Olympiakos the night before," said Jansen. "But he looked very good this morning and is in the squad."

This suggests at least a place on the bench for Brattbakk, who is more of a natural scorer than Celtic's other forwards. With the midfielder Morten Wieghorst free of suspension and defender Enrico Annoni also returning to the squad, Jansen has dropped Andreas Thom, David Hannah and Tosh McKinlay.

"They are all fit," said the single-minded Dutchman, "but I have to make a selection, so they are not in the squad. Brattbakk gives us more options in attack, but, as usual, we will wait until match day before deciding if he is to be used.'

The Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has a serious doubt over full-back Gary Locke, injured in Tuesday's scoreless draw at Dundee United. It seems likely that Alan McManus will take Locke's place, the only change in a team currently two points ahead of Rangers and five clear of Celtic. Rangers would regain the league leadership if Hearts lost and the Ibrox side beat Dunfermline at East End Park.