Crosas ready to return for Celtic

Crosas joined Celtic from Barcelona in August

Marc Crosas has told the Celtic manager Gordon Strachan he is ready to return against Dundee in the Scottish Cup.

Strachan is keen to ease both Crosas and striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink back into the first team following their spells out through injury.

"I'm training hard but always it's the manager who has the choice," said the midfielder. "He hasn't told me that but I'm ready always to play.

"It's him who has the choice but I really hope so."

Summer signing Crosas has not played for the Celtic first team since suffering a hamstring in the Premier League win at Inverness in October.

However, the Catalan midfielder has played in some friendly matches for the club and is keen to recommence his career at Celtic Park.

After my injury, it was also difficult for me, but you have to be ready to play sometimes and also be on the bench and to be ready to help the team. Mark Crosas

"I'm training hard for that but always it's the manager who has the choice," said Crosas.

"He hasn't told me that but I'm ready always to play. It's him who has the choice but I really hope so."

Crosas has been made just six first-team appearances since signing from Barcelona and admits it took time for him to adapt to the pace of the Scottish game.

"In the beginning, it was difficult because when you start in another country, it's not easy. But I played some games, maybe five or six games and I was in the eleven.

"After my injury, it was also difficult for me, but you have to be ready to play sometimes and also be on the bench and to be ready to help the team."

Crosas added: "I think the level of the football here is very high. Maybe it's different football than in Spain or in France, but it's a high level.

"You have more pressure. The game here is faster but I'm happy with all that."