Arzani injured on Celtic debut

Socceroos starlet Daniel Arzani has been taken off on a stretcher just 20 minutes into his Celtic debut against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

Daniel Arzani after suffering an injury on debut for Celtic Source: Getty Images

Celtic coach Brendan Rogers brought Arzani on in the 57th minute with Celtic up 5-0 and nearly created their sixth goal with some fine work down the right wing. 

The 19-year-old showed plenty of promise but disaster struck in the 78th minute when he appeared to slip and went down off the ball clutching his knee.

Celtic's medical team carried him off on a stretcher, but early reports at the ground suggest he is walking. 

Arzani could be in doubt for Socceroos matches against Korea Republic on November 17 in Brisbane and against Lebanon in Sydney three days later, although Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers appeared hopeful immediately after the match that Arzani's injury was not too serious.

"Arzani is a great boy and it's unfortunate he picked up the injury with a run in the game," Rodgers said.

"I think his knee just sort of gave way and he felt it a bit unstable.

"He was taking the applause on the way out, so I'm not sure how sore it was. I don't think it was killing him."

Rodgers was very complimentary of Arzani's impact in his brief cameo and said a scan would be required on Thursday to confirm the extent of the injury.

"He certainly is happy to take the ball, he has confidence, he's a Celtic player in terms of, he wants to beat people and wants to be aggressive," he said of Arzani.

The former Melbourne City winger joined the Scottish giants on a two-year loan deal from Manchester City at the beginning of the season but before this morning (AEDT), he had not featured at all for the first team. 

Earlier, fellow Aussie Tom Rogic celebrated his 150th appearance for the Hoops with a wonderful opener, before further goals from Scott Sinclair, from the spot, James Forrest and striker Odsonne Edouard had the points secured by the interval.

Celtic secured a 5-0 win despite playing the remaining 12 minutes with 10 men after Arzani's injury.

Elsewhere, Australian pair Oliver Bozanic and Ben Garrucio played the full 90 minutes for Hearts in their fiery 0-0 Edinburgh derby against Hibernian, who had Socceroos stalwart Mark Milligan and recent national team addition Martin Boyle in action, with Jamie Maclaren an unused substitute.

Hibernian boss Neil Lennon and Hearts goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal were both floored by missiles during the chaotic game, although both recovered after receiving treatment.