Stephen Welsh is back in Celtic training as the defender continues his injury return.

The 23-year-old rejoined Brendan Rodgers' side this week after being out of action since August.

He suffered ankle ligament damage just days after signing a new deal and the injury left the Scottish champions short at the back due to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki also being out injured at the time.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has named three players he thinks can fill the void left by Reo Hatate.

The Celtic midfielder be unavailable until after Christmas due to a hamstring injury sustained against Atletico Madrid.

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And Rodgers feels that there is quality in the squad that can fight to take the place of the Japan international.

He said: "It will be between him and other players that we have in that position when they get the opportunity.

"I think with Paulo he is a fantastic young professional and he has come in from a different country and adapted and settled really well. 

"He's really looking to take on board the football philosophy here with regard to how we want to play.

"He played virtually the whole game against Atletico Madrid and it was always going to be a challenge for him at the weekend, but for that first 60-odd minutes he worked hard and did very well. I just think over time he will get better and better.

"We also have Dave Turnbull and Odin [Thiago Holm] who can come into that position as well.

"The opportunities are there and will be there for players both in training and in the games and it is just about taking these opportunities."