Jos Hooiveld is hoping he can force his way into Holland’s World Cup squad by inspiring Celtic to the title.

The 26-year-old defender arrived at Parkhead last month in a £1.8m deal from Swedish side AIK Stockholm.

And he is determined to repay Tony Mowbray’s faith in him by playing a vital role in their battle to overturn Rangers’ 10-point lead at the top of the SPL.

Hooiveld feels such a comeback wouldn’t go unnoticed back in his homeland as he attempts to catch the eye of Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk in the lead-up to South Africa 2010.

He said: “The opportunity now exists for me to play for a big club such as Celtic. I hope to continue to develop myself and see where it goes. As long as I keep developing, I may have a chance.

“However, the players in the national side’s defence, such as Joris Mathijsen, are doing very well and I know it will be difficult.”

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers’ dreams of seeing Robbie Keane lead out a Celtic XI just five days before the next Old Firm game won’t be coming to fruition.

The Parkhead club have agreed to play the Irish club in Dublin but the Republic of Ireland striker won’t be returning to his homeland.

Reserve coach Neil Lennon will take a side that could include one or two first-team players, but Keane won’t be one of them.

That, of course, will come as a major disappointment to Shamrock chairman Jonathan Roche.

He said: “Imagine Robbie Keane making his Tallaght Stadium debut against Rovers – he’d be guaranteed a fantastic homecoming.”

However, with his side facing Rangers in a game that will have a major impact on the outcome of the SPL title race, there is no chance of that happening.

l Brian Duffy has been appointed to the Celtic board as a non-executive director.

The 55-year-old is a Hoops fan and shareholder, as well as group president (Europe) of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation.

Duffy said: “I was brought up in Glasgow and, as a lifelong supporter of the club, I am honoured to join the board of Celtic.

“It is a privilege to have the chance to play a part in the club’s future.”