RONNY DEILA is set to include race-row midfielder Aleksandar Tonev in his squad for Thursday's crucial Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu.

The Bulgarian missed Saturday's Premiership game against Inverness because Celtic had not submitted their appeal against his seven-match domestic ban for racially abusing Aberdeen's Shay Logan. The Hoops boss admitted the shock judgment had left Tonev - who vehemently denies any wrongdoing - feeling depressed.

But Deila is ready to draft him in for the match in Romania. Tonev, left, will fly out to Bucharest with the Celtic party tomorrow morning.

There have been calls from some fans for Celtic to send the on-loan player back to Aston Villa.

But Deila confirmed: "Aleksander is going with us as part of our squad for the Astra TURN TO PAGE 41

match. He is very, very depressed. He believes in his innocence, and it's very hard on him.

"We are supporting him because this is not right.

"It's word against word - and I believe him."

Kris Commons and James Forrest will also be in the travelling party if they can prove they have recovered from their respective injuries.

The return of Commons would be a huge boost to the squad as they will once again be without goal machine John Guidetti, who is ineligible for the group stage matches.

The hitman has been in such good form that he has won a call up to the full Swedish squad for their European Championship qualifier against Montenegro on November 15 and the friendly against France three days later.

Last month Guidetti was a key player for his country's Under-21 side.

Now his recent run of nine goals in nine games for Celtic has helped to earn him promotion.

Deila and Celtic fans hope this recognition will be further encouragement for Guidetti to consider making his move to Parkhead permanent.

Manchester City are reported to be looking for around £5million for the 22-year-old frontman.

Celtic might be able to raise some of this fee by selling Teemu Pukki to Brondby.

The Danish club have been delighted by his return to goalscoring form since he joined them on a season-long loan at the end of August.

On-form Pukki popped up with his fifth goal in five game to give Brondby all three points against Randers at the weekend.

Brondby coach Thomas Frank is a huge fan and claims he can see similarities between Pukki and Danish legend Jon Dahl Tommasson.

He said: "Pukki is a class player and he has goal instincts for the Superliga.

"I think he is really, really exciting. He is a genuine goalscorer."

Brondby have an option to make the loan move permanent.

But their sports director, Per Rud, fears they will not be able to meet Celtic's asking price as the Hoops want to recoup as much as possible of the £2.4million they paid Shalke for the 24-year-old Finnish international.

Brondby would not be in a position to pay much over £1m.

However, if they can offload Pukki Celtic would make a big saving on the salary the player is due from his Parkhead contract, which still has two years to run.