The Parkhead midfielder was forced to report for international duty even though he missed his club's last two matches against Rennes and Motherwell because of illness.

On arrival at his homeland, Ki was admitted to hospital after complaining of sickness

But Korean boss Cho Kwang-Rae has now done a U-turn and ruled Ki out of the two matches against the United Arab Emirates tomorrow and in Lebanon. He said: "Ki is in very good physical condition, but he hasn't trained for some time now.

"In order to protect Ki and take no chances, the decision for him not to play is correct. He is not match fit and we will now look at other players now."

Despite being angry at the fact his player was forced to travel back to his homeland, Celtic boss Neil Lennon will be pleased that Ki will now be allowed to return to Scotland to help his recovery.

He spent yesterday running the rule over former Dutch internationalist Bolo Zenden in a 2-1 friendly win over St Johnstone at Lennoxtown.

The 35-year-old former Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool star is available on a free and Lennon wants to sign him for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Scott Brown is making great progress in his bid to return to full fitness. The skipper is thought to be a month ahead of schedule after doctors initially warned he could face as much as 10 weeks out with his ankle injury.

The Scotland internationalist's rehab will be stepped up next week and if he comes through that without any problems he could play a reserve match at the start of next month.

That would give him a few weeks to play in matches before making himself available for the next Old Firm game of the season on December 28.

Lennon has also hinted Emilio Izaguirre and Kevin Wilson could return to action within the next fortnight.