Celtic set to shore up defence with swoop for Israeli centre-back Gershon

The 24-year-old centre-back, who can also play left-back, would allow Neil Lennon to bolster his defensive options just as he could be forced to do without first-choice central defensive pairing Efe Ambrose and Kelvin Wilson for the closing weeks of next month.

Gershon, who has been capped ten times by his country, has recently returned to parent club Standard Liege following two seasons on loan at another Belgian top-flight club, Kortrijk. The 6ft 2in defender, regarded as uncompromising and strong in the air, was linked with a move to Rangers in 2011. It is understood the deal being discussed with Celtic would see him initially join on a six-month loan, with the club then having the option to buy.

Gershon, pictured right, could be pitched straight into the Celtic side following the winter break. As it stands, Thomas Rogne, who is out of contract in the summer, and Charlie Mulgrew could be the only centre-backs available to Neil Lennon for the late January league fixtures. Wilson will be free to face Motherwell on Wednesday after appealing the two-match suspension he was offered for an elbow incident against Dundee last week. If he loses his hearing before the judicial panel on Thursday, however, he will miss Celtic’s first two matches after the shutdown.

Meanwhile, Ambrose will head to a training camp with Nigeria this week ahead of their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on 19 January. If Nigeria, the second favourites, make it to the final on Sunday, 10 February, Ambrose would only have one day to return from South Africa before Celtic face Juventus in the home first leg of their last 16  Champions League tie. His manager, Neil Lennon, maintains such a scenario would not preclude Ambrose appearing against the Turin club. “He’s an incredible athlete, one of those who doesn’t like to rest and who we practically have to tell to go away,” the Celtic manager said.

“He trains more or less every day. He’s low maintenance in terms of injuries so I don’t think it would be a big issue for him to come back and play against Juventus if he’s fit.”