Andreas Hinkel speeds up rehabilitation plans

Celtic defender Andreas Hinkel has returned to Scotland as he steps up his rehabilitation after a serious knee injury.

• Hinkel: Back in Scotland

Hinkel was ruled out for the rest of the season when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in training last August.

He required surgery before spending several months in his native Germany under the care of the national team doctor.

Although a comeback is still a long way off, the 28-year-old has started running again and is pleased to be back among his team-mates.

"My progress has been perfect so far so it's been really good," said Hinkel.

"There have been no complications and I am very happy to be back here in Scotland, seeing all the lads again.

"Now I'm at the stage where I can do more. I started to run last Monday, so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now."

However, the full-back was reluctant to set a deadline for his return.

He told Celtic View: "I am not experienced in an injury like this so it's difficult to say when I will be back.

"I have heard if you are good and fit but the injury is not perfect, then you can start too early.

"I don't want to do that but I don't want to waste time either.

"I want to be back as soon as possible but I can't set a date on anything just yet."