O'Brien sees Old Firm opportunity

O'Brien made his Celtic debut in the win against Gretna

Jim O'Brien is prepared to fill in as an emergency right-back as he eyes his first start for Celtic in Saturday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

Recognised full-backs Mark Wilson, Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe and Paul Caddis are all injured.

Paul Hartley and Gary Caldwell, who have slotted in, are fitness doubts.

"I came on there against Gretna and I played right-back in a closed-doors friendly with Dundee last week and I felt okay," he told Celtic View.

"If the manager wants me to play there, I'll go in and do my best, give it everything and and try to learn as much as I can about the position."

O'Brien, 20, usually plays as a striker or winger but made his first-team debut in the problem area when he came off the bench during the 2-1 win over Gretna a fortnight ago.

And having had a taste of senior action with the champions, the ambitious youngster is hungry for more.

"Now I just want to make as many appearances as I can," he added.

"Hopefully, if the manager wants to change things, I'm the one he thinks can add a bit of spark to the game."

Hartley and Caldwell had to withdraw from the Scotland squad after picking up injuries against Gretna.

John Kennedy, who replaced Hartley, had to make way for O'Brien for the final 15 minutes.

Hartley has a hamstring problem and is likely to be sidelined for at least another week.

Caldwell and Kennedy could yet recover in time to face Rangers, while fellow central defender Darren O'Dea may be asked to step in.