Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has raised concerns about how the Hoops will cope if midfielder Aaron Mooy is out injured for an extended period of time.

The Australian picked up a knock before the international break which ruled him out of playing for his country this month.

Mooy has become a regular in Ange Postecoglou's side this season, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists so far during the 2022-23 campaign.

And McAvennie hopes the 32-year-old makes a speedy recovery.

"I think if Hatate had not got injured we would have broken down Hibs a lot easier. He is the kind of player that does that," he told Football Insider.

"Matt O’Riley is a bit off the ball at the moment but that will come back. I think Iwata and Hatate alongside Callum McGregor will be magnificent.

"That would be my pick if I could get it. Mooy has come in, the old man of the squad and he has shown how to play.

"He keeps things simple. He has not got a turn of pace but he can see a pass.

"Hatate and Mooy, he can’t afford to leave the two of them out of the same team and it showed against Hibs."

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Meanwhile, France national team boss Didier Deschamps has highlighted Celtic winger Mikey Johnston as one of the attacking threats for Ireland.

The 54-year-old, who has won the World Cup as a player and manager with his country, has pinpointed the forward as part of Stephen Kenny's 'new generation'.

Johnston is currently on loan at Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes and recently made his international debut for Ireland after switching allegiances from Scotland earlier this month.

The two sides meet in Dublin as they begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaigns.

And Deschamps feels that the 23-year-old, along with Brighton's Evan Ferguson, are two player his team need to watch out for.

He said: "There is a new generation with new players, Ferguson poses a threat – he is a good player, Johnston as well has joined the team, it is a mix of young and experience.

"But our team is different too. Ireland are known for being direct and vertical in how they play but of what I’ve seen in recent games they are capable of playing the ball along the ground as well."