Celtic news bulletin as Luis Palma opens up on injury woes while rival Ugurcan Cakir asking price named

Luis Palma says he is putting his body through extra training sessions to gear himself up for Celtic's defence of their Premiership crown in the final part of the season.

The 24-year-old, who has enjoyed a fruitful campaign with 11 goals and 13 assists, came off the bench in Saturday's 3-0 victory over St Mirren having missed the previous four games with a muscle problem. But the Honduras international winger has now spoken of his happiness at his return to fitness and is determined to do everything he can to help Brendan Rodgers' men claim a third consecutive league title. Speaking to Radio House, Palma said "I’m happy to have minutes again, I feel good, focused on recovering my level. I plan to go to the training centre on Monday to be at my best at the end of the tournament."

Elsewhere, Celtic's interest in Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir could be ramped up as they search for Joe Hart's successor. Reports in Turkey have claimed that the Super Lig side will be looking to move on the stopper in the summer

Aksam report that the 28-year-old, who helped his boyhood club lift the league title in 2022, will be allowed to move on for a big transfer fee. Trabzonspor are said to be looking for £7.5million for their skipper.

InternetHaber claim that the club will look to replace Cakir with Manchester United's back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The Turkey international only joined the Premier League giants from Fenerbahce for £4.5million last summer, but has made just one appearance at Old Trafford. The report adds that Trabzonspor could bring the stopper back to his homeland for as little as £2.6million.

And ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-final with Aberdeen this weekend, pundit Neil McCann reckons Brendan Rodgers has the edge in the "psychological warfare" with rivals Rangers. The Irish boss spoke glowingly about his side's chances of securing a domestic double in the aftermath of the 3-0 win against the Buddies that opened up a four point lead at the top of the Premiership.

Speaking on Go Radio, former Rangers and Hearts star McCann said: "I did the games at the weekend and I thought Brendan Rodgers post-match presser had something of the psychological element about it when he said 'we are Celtic, this is when we come alive'. If you read between the lines you could see he is applying gentle pressure that they will hear.

"Whether they don't watch highlights or read papers they will generally be aware of comments. And it was just an example of the psychological warfare at this time of the season."