Moussa Dembele should feature in Celtic's vital Champions League qualifier against against AEK Athens.

Brendan Rodgers has been encouraged by the progress the striker has made since he picked up a hamstring injury last month.

And the Celtic manager said the return of the French U21 international has lifted his squad as they prepare to face the Greek champions.

Rodgers also denied the transfer speculation surrounding Dedryck Boyata, who did not travel to Athens, will has affected the preparation for Tuesday's match.

Asked about Dembele's return, Rodgers said: "It is a big boost for us.

"He started the season fantastically well, in terms of his work and all the preparation, so he was unfortunate to pick up his injury.

"But he has worked very hard to come back and he will take his place in the squad."

The Celtic boss said it would be too much for Dembele to start the match but confirmed he will be on the bench.

Rodgers added: "He has looked very fit and strong in his rehabilitation and the beauty with Moussa is he wants to play and he wants to be involved.

"I am sure at some point of the game he will play his part."

Last week's match at Celtic Park ended in a 1-1 draw which means AEK Athens hold an away goal advantage for the second leg.

Celtic's bid to progress to the final play off for the lucrative Champions League groups stages has been overshadowed by speculation surrounding the future of Belgium international defender Boyata.

The Scottish champions have already rejected an offer from Fulham for the centre-back after his displays for his country at the World Cup and Sevilla have been linked with a bid.

And at the weekend his agent claimed Boyata was disappointed as promises made to him have not bee kept.

When it was put to Rodgers that the headlines had been a distraction, he replied: "It is more sad than a distraction.

"He is a player who we would have loved to have been here with us.

"He has been with us these last couple of seasons and, of course, at this present time it would have been great to have had him here.

"But he is not and we have to put the faith in the squad of players that want to be here and want to fight for the result.

"That's my focus really, on the players that we have."

When it was put to Rodgers that Boyata's agent was playing hardball with the club he said the situation was an "internal matter".

The Celtic manager also expressed confidence that his team can go progress despite last week's draw.

Rodgers added: "We are not planning on going out.

"We are planning on playing well enough to get a result."