Callum McGregor is 'three or four weeks' ahead of schedule in terms of his injury recovery.

The Celtic captain has been praised by Brendan Rodgers for his professionalism to give himself a shot at making this weekend's derby match with Rangers.

The 30-year-old has spent over a month on the sidelines with a calf issue picked up in training. His last game was at the end of February when Celtic thumped Dundee 7-1 in Glasgow.

The midfielder also missed Scotland's recent friendly double-header against The Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

However, Rodgers is hopeful his skipper will pass fit to play against Rangers this weekend, but insists no risks will be taken.

He told Sky Sports: "He has just got one more day to get through. He has made a remarkable recovery. He is obviously not match fit because he has been out for a while but we are hoping that he will be involved in the game.

"He has probably come back 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule so that shows you the work and professionalism that he puts into his preparations. All being well he gets through Saturday and we'll have a clean bill of health for the first time all season.

"We wouldn't risk him for this game. We have to be sensible. It's not like its a cup final as there are still more games to come which we hope will all be important. But we have a sense where he is at and can take it from there."

READ MORE:Β The Celtic-Rangers 'storyline' that rankles with Rodgers

Rodgers admits his Celtic team will head to Ibrox on Sunday to silence their critics - yet again.

The Northern Irishman has conceded that the 'storyline' surrounding his side will differ from that of Rangers, despite both teams going into this weekend's derby with almost identical recent form.