McGeady will miss Old Firm match

McGeady was booked in the 3-2 defeat by Inverness

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady will miss the SPL encounter with Rangers on 2 January through suspension.

Referee Alan Freeland's report following Sunday's defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle arrived at the Scottish FA on Tuesday.

And BBC Sport understands that it confirmed a three-point yellow card for a persistent infringement.

That will take him through the 18-point disciplinary threshold and ensure his absence for the Old Firm derby.

The SFA disciplinary process sees an automatic one-match suspension take effect 14 days after the date on which a player exceeds the points threshold.

McGeady's booking was his sixth of the season and, while players can be issued between one and three points for a yellow card, the Republic of Ireland international received three points for facing up to Caley Thistle's Ian Black following a challenge.

MY SPORT: DEBATE How will Celtic line-up if McGeady is banned?

The loss of 21-year-old McGeady for the crucial Old Firm encounter would be a blow for Celtic manager Gordon Strachan.

He has been one of the club's best performers this season, scoring six goals, including the Champions League winner against Benfica and a recent hat-trick in the 4-0 victory over Falkirk.

Playmaker Shunsuke Nakamuara has been missing with a knee injury since late October.

The Japanese star has resumed light training duties but may not recover in time to play in the first game of 2008.

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc is also sidelined following a knee operation, but the Polish international has targeted 2 January for his comeback.