Celtic's top scorer Henrik Larson is back from injury for the big clash with Old Firm rivals Rangers.

The New Year match is vital for both Glasgow teams as they fight for the championship.

Rangers midfielder Stuart McCall (Dur: 22")

Celtic need the win to haul themselves within a point of Rangers. Victory for Rangers will put them seven points ahead of Celtic and four in front of Hearts.

Rangers' Stuart McCall looks forward to the match of the day

Rangers go into the game at Parkhead favourites, unbeaten against Celtic in 10 matches stretching back to April 1995.

Celtic also have defenders Marc Rieper and Alan Stubbs back to full health.

Coach Wim Jansen hinted that Norwegian striker Harald Brattbakk could make his first start after three substitute appearances since his £2 million move from Rosenborg last month.

Wim Jansen has players back from injury

He said: "The more he practises with us, the easier it is for him to get used to our style of play and the easier it is for me to put him in the team."

Rangers manger Walter Smith also faces a tough team selection choice with his G-force - Andy Goram, Richard Gough, Paul Gascoigne and Rino Gattuso all back from injury or suspension as is Jonas Thern and Gordon Durie.

But Rangers have scored nine goals in their last two matches and Smith is unlikely to want to make wholesale changes.

He said: "It's a nice problem to have, although with Old Firm games it's important that every player is fully match fit."
 

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