But the good news is that Welsh striker Hartson has been given the go-ahead to increase the intensity of his rehabilitation from back surgery after a visit with his specialist this afternoon.

Medical staff have been delighted with the progress that Hartson has made in the four weeks since he had the operation, and over the next few weeks he will begin a combination of gym and outdoor work.

It is expected that the Welsh international, who missed the UEFA Cup Final and the final games of the season because of the injury, will stay in Glasgow to work on his fitness while the rest of his team-mates jet out to Sweden next Friday.

He has returned to the gym after a family holiday in a bid to start cycling and swimming in a bid to kickstart his fight for fitness.

It is hoped that he will be involved in the football side of things in early August and ready for the start of the new campaign.

Meanwhile, Shaun Maloney is enjoying a brief holiday before returning to his rehab programme on Monday morning.

The young striker has continued to make good progress in the gym and it is hoped that he will be fit enough to join in pre-season around the end of July.