Return to training is imminent for frustrated Beram Kayal

The Israel international has not played since a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock on 19 September after being troubled by the recurring problem.

"I feel a lot better and have been working very hard in the last two months," he said.

"Now I'm starting to warm up with the first team after training alone with the doctor and feel very good.

"So I think I'll be able to come back to training in a week for the first team.

"Last season I had two injuries. I had a hernia before and also had a pain in my groin. It was very hard.

"But I came here to Glasgow and everything was okay - the team was winning and I felt good with all these new people at a new club and in a new country. So being out for two months injured and not playing was very hard.

"My family is not here although they have come to visit sometimes, but it was very hard because if you're playing you're thinking all the time about the game on Saturday. So it was very hard but now it's easy to speak about my injury because in a week I hope to be able to come back to training."

Meanwhile, Celtic's reported interest in Estonian keeper Sergei Pareiko has stopped him extending his deal with his Russian club.

The 33-year-old is first choice for his country and will be available on a free transfer when his contract with Siberian outfit Tom Tomsk expires at the end of this month.

Pareiko had claimed he'd been told by Celtic goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods that they want to sign the experienced shot-stopper.

Now Tom Tomsk coach Valeri Nepomnjaitchi has revealed his keeper won't sign a new contract at the club because he's waiting to hear from Celtic. Nepomnjaitchi said: "We offered a new contract to Pareiko under the terms and conditions that his agent had asked for. However, once they heard Celtic wanted to sign him, they changed their mind and wouldn't sign the deal.

"The offer is still on the table for him, but he has to appreciate that we now also have to look for other keepers. We cannot wait for him to get an offer from Celtic."

Pareiko has stated: "A move to Celtic would take my career to a new level - I would love to play for such a truly big club. Tom Tomsk has also offered me an extra two years. But Celtic are my first choice, for sure."