First-team coach Alan Thompson does not expect leaders Celtic to have a new centre-half in place before Wednesday's visit by third-placed Hearts.

An injury to Daniel Majstorovic leaves Thomas Rogne as Celtic's only fit first-team central defender.

Celtic had an approach to take former Rangers teenager Danny Wilson on loan rebuffed by Liverpool as they look to provide experienced cover.

"It looks as though we'll have to go with what we've got," said Thompson.

"I would think, in terms of anyone coming in before the game, it is highly unlikely.

"It doesn't matter who plays centre-half tomorrow, it was always going to be a tough game."

Celtic's options have been reduced by Jos Hooiveld's departure to Copenhagen on loan, while Glenn Loovens is still recovering from injury.

There are a number of things we are looking at between now and next Monday Celtic first-team coach Alan Thompson

Thompson said he had no knowledge of any move for Liverpool's Wilson.

But he was able to confirm that Celtic had so far been unable to persuade Nottingham Forest to part with Kelvin Wilson.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said at the weekend that Majstorovic's three-week absence would speed his attempt to bring the player to Glasgow during January.

Wilson, whose present deal ends in the summer, has signed a pre-contract agreement with Celtic.

However, the Scottish Premier League leaders would have to agree a fee for an earlier departure and it is believed the English club are looking for as much as £600,000.

"It's Forest's prerogative," said Thompson. "He is their player, although he has signed a pre-contract.

"We would like to get him in, but at the moment nothing's moving.

Loovens is back in training but unlikely to play on Wednesday

"You can understand their situation. He is their players and they will probably want to keep him until the summer.

"There are a number of things we are looking at between now and next Monday, so we will just have to see what comes from that."

Indeed, Celtic are continuing their interest in Kris Commons, despite Glasgow rivals Rangers having agreed a fee for the Scotland winger.

Commons is out of contract in the summer and Celtic might prefer to sign the player on a pre-contract agreement.

Lennon's search for a central defender means that left-back Charlie Mulgrew is likely to partner Rogne against Hearts at Celtic Park.

The Edinburgh side arrive on a high after defeating champions Rangers 1-0 on Saturday and are now only seven points adrift of Celtic with a game in hand.

Thompson believes Jim Jefferies' side are firmly in the race for the title.

"They are definitely in the mix," he added. "Their form tells you that - it's championship winning form.

"And, if that continues, they'll be knocking right at the door to go all the way."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version