STEVEN MOUYOKOLO has five games in which to win a new contract at Celtic.

But while that prospect would put massive pressure on most players, the French defender is just thankful to be given the chance.

Mouyokolo's ruptured Achilles - picked up in a freak training incident last August, just a few weeks into his one-year deal - has healed.

And the 27-year-old made a surprise comeback as a late sub at Tannadice on Saturday.

The hard work is behind Mouyokolo, but the sweat over his future in the Hoops continues.

Neil Lennon has confirmed it is what happens in the closing stages of the season which will be the deciding factor.

And Mouyokolo - who left Wolves 14 months ago after sustaining a ruptured cruciate ligament - is determined to secure a second chance.

He said: "There have been no talks yet. We'll focus on that at the end of the season. Of course I want to stay at the club. But it is a normal situation now.

"There are politics at every club, and other people will take that decision. I'm just going to get myself back to full fitness and be as positive as I can.

"I'll do my best. After that, we'll see what the future brings me. Hopefully, it will be at Celtic, but we'll see."

While Mouyokolo's history would appear to work against him, he is keen to stress that the injury which sidelined him for the last seven months had nothing to do with his previous problem.

"I'm not worried my injury record might go against me," he insisted.

"If you come back and it's clear there is still a problem, then that's different. But I seriously feel really good.

"It would be the best thing for me to be able to say thank you to everyone who has helped me by being out on the park for Celtic next season.

"But I'll just keep working as hard as I have done for the last seven months. Work pays, so we'll see how it goes."