Glenn Loovens believes he has finally nailed down a regular place at the heart of the Celtic defence.

After Gary Caldwell joined Wigan and Stephen McManus moved on loan to Middlesbrough during the January transfer window, Dutchman Loovens was left as the most senior central defender at the club.

With Darren O’Dea and Jos Hooiveld injured, and new signing Thomas Rogne yet to make his debut, Loovens has had to nurse along 18-year-old rookie Josh Thompson in recent games.

Ahead of tonight’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hearts, the former Cardiff stopper revealed that, all things being equal, he would now consider himself a first pick – and is happy to take on the responsibility.

“I have to be at my best and, if I am, then it us up to the manager,” Loovens said. “But yes, if I am fit and playing well, I feel I have to play.

“There are a few defenders injured so other players have to stand up and get on with the job. Josh is young and he has to learn a lot, but he is doing a great job.”

Manager Tony Mowbray, meanwhile, will consider giving Rogne his debut tonight.

“Fitness-wise, Thomas has probably done enough now,” he said.

Stories in today’s English papers...

• Chelsea’s first summer target will be Barcelona’s Dani Alves.
• Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas has reached a verbal agreement to join Barca; team-mate William Gallas also set to quit Gunners.
• West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola facing the axe if his side fail to beat Birmingham tonight.