Celtic will be close to full strength for Wednesday's Old Firm clash with Rangers at Parkhead, as Gordon Strachan's team attempt to force their way back into the title race.

Aside from the suspended Scott Brown, the Hoops' only concern is Paul Hartley, who is recovering from a slight muscle strain. Strachan remains confident the midfielder will play some part in the game however.

In attack, the Celtic manager must choose two from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Scott McDonald and Georgios Samaras.

If Celtic win they will close the gap with Rangers to two points, with a further meeting between the two teams scheduled for April 27.

Walter Smith's Rangers side will be without the injured Charlie Adam (knee) and DaMarcus Beasley (knee ligament). Midfielder Kevin Thomson will miss out through suspension.

Rangers enter the derby unbeaten in 19 SPL games, and having emerged victorious from the two previous Old Firm meetings this season.

Last October, Smith's side humbled Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox thanks to a brace from Nacho Novo and a second-half strike from Barry Ferguson.

In March, Thomson's goal was the difference between the two sides in a typically frenetic contest at Parkhead.

Follow the match LIVE!! at eurosport.yahoo.com on Wednesday from 19:30 (BST)

Will Tidey / Eurosport