MOUSSA Dembele staked his claim for a Celtic starting spot against Ross County this weekend with a hat-trick on international duty.

The striker, who has struggled with injury this season, scored three times in 11 minutes as France Under-21s came from behind to beat their Slovenian counterparts.

After slotting a 34th minute penalty, Dembele volleyed in smartly at the far post before a stunning curling effort on the brink of half-time secured the win for France and a treble before the break.

Dembele has suffered with injury problems so far in his second season at Parkhead and has only made 12 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.

However his hat-trick could see him edge Leigh Griffiths to a starting spot this weekend and against Paris Saint-Germain next week in the Champions League.