Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table last weekend with a 3-2 Glasgow derby win over Rangers.

Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate missed the victory over the Light Blues but Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou has issued an update on the playmaker's progress.

The 25-year-old looks certain to miss this Sunday's visit to Rugby Park but the good news for the Aussie and the Celtic supporters is that he should return in time to face their city rivals in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday April 30.

Postecoglou also does not expect Liel Abada, Anthony Ralston, James Forrest or James McCarthy to be included in the Celtic squad for the short trip down the M77.

Speaking to the club's official YouTube channel, the 57-year-old said: "He (Reo) won't be out long term. It's just a case of making sure he's ready to go. We'll wait and see. I think it's probably unlikely at this stage. From the medical report and thinking about the venue and the pitch we're going to probably be a bit conservative with the boys. So unlikely to be anyone coming back that missed last weekend."

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Meanwhile, Alistair Johnston has earned some fulsome praise from his manager after taking part in his third Glasgow derby since his arrival and he has yet to taste defeat.

Postecoglou said: "I think he’s one that loves a battle and it’s fair to say that he enjoys that side of the game, and a game like that is tailor-made for him. He also showed composure at times when we needed it but there’s no doubt he’s got that real competitive edge to him and every team needs players like that, particularly in games like this, and credit to him.

"He’s been with us for about four months and he’s already played in these games three times, so he’s one that will have a very good career for this football club."

Celtic have seven games to go in their Premiership campaign and remain on course to set a world record points and goals tally. Seven wins would see the Hoops eclipse the total of 106 points amassed by Brendan Rodgers's side during the Invincibles season and they would also overtake the current world record points tally of 108 held by Red Star Belgrade.

Postecoglou's side is also within touching distance of breaking a goal-scoring record that has stood since season 1915-16 when Celtic scored 116 league goals in 38 league matches. Celtic are on 98  for the current campaign.

Join Tony Haggerty and Aidan Macdonald as they discuss all this and more in the video below.