Celtic: Postecoglou now 'hoping' £23k-a-week star available to face Rangers | OneFootball

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou hopes 'instrumental' midfielder Aaron Mooy is 'available' for his sides' Viaplay Cup final showdown against Rangers this Sunday at Hampden Park, journalist Pete O'Rourke has informed GIVEMESPORT.

The 32-year-old has been a revelation at the Hoops since arriving last summer on a free transfer following a spell at Shanghai Port.

Lately, The Daily Record have reported that both Mooy and his fellow midfielder David Turnbull are ramping up their efforts to be fit to face Rangers on Sunday at Hampden Park.

Last week, Mooy pulled up with an injury in training and was not risked against Aberdeen on Saturday gone, where Celtic dished out a 4-0 drubbing to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

Matt O'Riley instead took the place of the Australia international in the recent victory, though Mooy could now be ready to take part this weekend.

Postecoglou told Celtic TV (via The Herald): "Obviously from the weekend, no new injuries from the game. Turnbull and Aaron [Mooy] we expect to join training this week. So at this stage, everyone is good."

Salary Sport understands Mooy pockets around £23,000 per week at the Glasgow giants on a contract until the summer of 2024.

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Aaron Mooy?

Journalist O'Rourke has stated that Postecoglou will want his 'best players available' as the Aussie eyes another piece of silverware to add to his trophy cabinet.

O'Rourke told GMS: "Yeah, well, for a final you want all your best players available and Aaron Mooy, I think in recent weeks, has been instrumental in that Celtic midfield as well. So yeah, I'm sure Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to have his fellow Australian available for selection for that game because he'll be hoping to put out his strongest team against Rangers and try to pick up that first piece of silverware of the season right now as well. Obviously, Celtic have got a lot of cover as well in that squad to try and fill in but yeah, for a final, any manager will want his best players available and that's why Mooy will definitely be one that Postecoglou will hope will return to fitness in time."

Can Mooy be the hero for Celtic against Rangers on Sunday?

All things considered, Mooy has as good a chance as any of the players that will take to the field at Hampden to make himself a hero en route to claiming some silverware.

The 32-year-old has been in excellent fettle for the Hoops in 2022/23, registering six goals and seven assists in 33 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Those goal contributions have added an extra element to this Celtic midfield this season and his big-game experience could prove to be invaluable to Postecoglou this weekend.

Nevertheless, Rangers will be up for the fight on Sunday at Hampden, creating an intriguing clash between two bitter rivals hungry to claim the first trophy of the campaign and secure some local bragging rights.