Balde seeks first-team return

Balde has been out of action since April

Defender Bobo Balde has told manager Gordon Strachan he is ready to return to Celtic's first-team squad on Saturday.

The Guinea international made his first appearance since April 5 when he played the full 90 minutes of the Scottish Cup win over St Mirren on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old had been suffering from a long-term stomach problem but insists he will be ready for action against arch-rivals Rangers at Celtic Park if required.

Balde said: "It was nice to get a first-team game under my belt. I have been looking forward to returning for quite some time.

"I always knew I'd be out for around a couple of months after the operation, so I wouldn't say I'm back any sooner than I expected, this is the normal time for me to be back playing again.

"I still feel a bit stiff, but that is natural and it will improve the longer I'm back running, training and playing in games. It will eventually go away.

"But I feel good. If the manager needs me to play on Saturday then of course I am ready, but there are other players who have been playing in the team and I understand the situation.

"I think there is competition for places and that is good for the football club."

Balde's return is a boost for his country as they face Cape Verde next month in the qualifiers for the 2008 African Nations Cup.