Celtic are believed to be lining up a sweep for 20-year-old South African internationalist Rivaldo Coetzee.

The South African central defender- who already boasts 22 caps - is currently in his homeland with Ajax Cape Town, but Celtic are closing in on a deal to get the player to Glasgow – and another striker is also expected at the Parkhead side before the closure of the transfer window.

Celtic could add a wildcard to their UEFA Champions League squad up until Tuesday and it could be that Coetzee is rushed through in time for the game against Astana.

With Dedryck Boyata out for three months with a knee injury and Erik Sviatchenko also until after the international break in September, Coetzee could supplement the club’s backline.

Brendan Rodgers has also acknowledged the need for an additional striker.

Leigh Griffiths started last night’s 1-0 win over Partick Thistle on the bench due to tightness in his calf, a situation that has prompted a change in thought from Rodgers regarding the necessity of another striker at the club.

A deal for Patrick Roberts is still the preferred choice but if that doesn’t reach fruition then another forward could be brought in. Moussa Dembele is out for at least another month while Griffiths has been plagued with calf issues in the last few months.

“I will definitely have to look at it a little closer,” said Rodgers. “My vision is to have two strikers available and fit, pushing each other.

“If there’s an unavailability and it’s consistent, then I need to seriously look at that.

“The guys are doing great for us. You look at the games they have come through so. We are not conceding. James [Forrest] is doing great at times, Tom [Rogic] has played up there as well.

“But the dynamic of the team is obviously better when you have a number nine who can actually play the role.

“It’s really about the availability of a player. We’ll look to bring in quality if it becomes available.”

Asked if something next week, Rodgers added: “It’s something we have been working towards over the course of the last few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers was relieved to survive a last gasp penalty shout at Firhill last night.

“I haven’t seen the penalty again,” said the Celtic manager. “From where I was, it looked as though he’s got a nick on the ball and the guy’s gone over.

“But sometimes away from home, you never know. You saw it at Ross County last season, they can be given against you. It’s a game I thought we were in control of without being at our best, but if you don’t take your chances.

“At 1-0 with five minutes to go, you have to stand up and we did that. The maturity of the team came through that they can manage it through to the end.”