Bellamy set for Celtic debut in Old Firm clash

Craig Bellamy is poised to make his Celtic debut in the white-hot atmosphere of their Old Firm collision with rivals Rangers today at 1.30 p.m.

The Welsh international forward joined on loan from Newcastle on January 31 but did not play in a Scottish Cup match at Dunfermline because manager Martin O'Neill feared their synthetic pitch might be too hard following the player's recent knee injuries.

He also missed out last Sunday when Celtic's league game at Inverness was rained off.

O'Neill would not confirm his line-up but said: "He (Bellamy) certainly has as good a chance as anybody of playing.

"The delay only adds to a bit more excitement from Bellamy's view point and I'm sure he will get a big reception when he steps on the field."

O'Neill said he was unconcerned by the lull in competitive action, adding that it had enabled defender Bobo Balde more time to recover from an ankle injury.

Celtic are second to Rangers on goal difference with both clubs on 62 points but Celtic have a game in hand.