Celtic striker Jim O'Brien became the sixth Hoops player to go out on loan this season when he joined Stephen Kenny's Dunfermline until the end of the season.

Parkhead reserve team coach Kenny McDowall welcomed the short-term move for the 19-year-old Republic of Ireland youth international. He said: "This is a great opportunity for Jim and it will give him the chance to get first team experience this season."

O'Brien could make his debut against Rangers in the third round of the Scottish Cup tomorrow as Dunfermline are set to be without nine first-team players due to injury and illness.

Following the departure of Rangers manager Paul Le Guen during the week, Barry Ferguson returns to the squad after being stripped of the captaincy and dropped for the midweek win over Motherwell.

Celtic face Dumbarton at Celtic Park today but will again be without defender Stephen McManus, who missed the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on Tuesday because of a long-standing groin injury.

Striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who came on as a substitute against Kilmarnock, is likely to start.