The 27-year-old has been plagued by injuries since he signed from Dundee United in January 2006 and last week underwent an arthroscopy procedure on his knee.

Wilson was boosted by the prognosis even though it will be into next year before he pulls on a green and white jersey again.

"I was going down there really expecting to be out for the rest of the season," he told Celtic View.

"But I got told that it was three months and there's the possibility, if rehab goes according to plan, I could shave a few weeks off that.

"It could turn out to be 10 weeks which is a massive bonus for me.

"It could have been 10 months - but now it's 10 weeks."

Wilson admits he had to eventually give in to the pain after the two games against Hibernian at the end of last month.

He said: "I had the scans weeks ago on my knee and it showed problems that I obviously knew I had because of what I was feeling.

"I was just trying to manage it as best I could and play as many games as I could.

"But after the Hibs games, I thought it was best to try to get it fixed.

"We went down to see the guy on the Wednesday after the Hibs game with a view to having a procedure done.

"I had a good chat with him and he seemed to think I could get away with a procedure that would only keep me out for three months.

"He was obviously going to have a look at the problem once he went in there and would do what needed to be done.

"I woke up delighted that I was through the operation and he said he did the minimum he could do and tidied up what needed to be done and hopefully that would help me.

"So fingers crossed for a positive outcome."

Meanwhile, Kris Commons revealed how he pretended to be injured to quash ongoing rumours of a bust-up with Celtic boss Neil Lennon.

The Scotland international turned up at training at the start of the month wearing a neckbrace and with his head bandaged, to the amusement of his team-mates and the delight of the photographers.

Ahead of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Inverness in the Highlands on Saturday, the former Nottingham Forest and Derby player told the Celtic View: "With so many people in the dressing room that know Celtic fans, there were certainly a lot of rumours.

"A lot of people were ringing me up and asking if me and the gaffer had a bit of a bust-up.

"It's not the first time that this rumour has come about so I tried to make a joke out of it with the tape round the head and the neckbrace, just to let people know it is all rumours.

"I think when you are not doing as well in the league and not picking up as many points as you should be doing, then people do start speculating, and I just wanted people to know that the gaffer and I are on good terms."

The Hoops are in talks to make defender Jos Hooiveld's loan at Southampton permanent, according to the player's agent.

Hooiveld, 28, has enjoyed a successful spell with the npower Championship table-toppers since he arrived in August.

He has made 12 appearances and scored three goals, but his current loan deal comes to an end in January.

The Dutchman said earlier this month he would consider staying on the south coast, and agent Alex Kroes has confirmed to BBC Radio Solent: "Southampton and Celtic are talking about a permanent move for Jos."

Hooiveld cost Celtic £1.8million when he joined from AIK Solna in January 2010.