Celtic manager Martin O'Neill claims plunging Robert Douglas in at the deep end against Stuttgart tonight is not a gamble.
First-choice goalkeeper Magnus Hedman twisted his knee in training yesterday, forcing the Parkhead boss to rush Douglas back into UEFA Cup action.
The Scotland international has not played since December 21st after undergoing a double hernia operation.
Douglas' rehabilitation has been hindered by a thigh injury, but he will be thrust back into action early, with youngster David Marshall sitting on the bench as understudy as recent signing Javier Sanchez Broto is ineligible to play.
O'Neill has denied that Douglas' emergency recall could damage him and the Hoops' hopes of UEFA Cup progress.
"He's been training with us," said O'Neill. "He's been going through a programme that he's been very happy with.
"He is throwing his hat into the ring and saying 'if the manager wants me, I'm putting myself forward'.
"I hadn't originally thought about that because I wanted his rehabilitation to go on if possible, but Rab's up for it. It's no risk because he's fit."
Celtic are also without John Hartson and Henrik Larsson, while O'Neill will be in the stands after being banned from the touchline.
Shaun Maloney is set to come into the side and defender Ulrik Laursen is backing the players available to cope without their absent stars.
He added: "I think we will approach the game the same as we would if Hartson and Henrik had been in.
"When you play the game, you don't run around thinking about the players that are missing. Whoever it's going to be, they will do well for us."
Larsson, however, is on the mend and O'Neill is keeping his fingers crossed that the Swedish striker will return sooner than expected.
O'Neill said: "He is improving and the swelling is going down. He is going to see the specialist again in a couple of days' time."