The former Hoops hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, wants the defender to follow in Virgil van Dijk’s footsteps.

Ange Postecoglou told the club’s media team on 22 October that Jullien, 28, would not be available for selection until after the international break.

Jullien has returned to first-team training after a 10-month absence enforced by a knee ligament injury.

Celtic’s defence has been criticised this season but Postecoglou’s side have kept three clean sheets in their last four games.

McAvennie is concerned about Jullien’s return as Postecoglou demands so much from his players.

He’s hoping Jullien follows Van Dijk’s footsteps and returns from injury without losing any of his ability.

“Jullien is coming back which is great news,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

“I do worry though. I have a few worries about him coming back.

“First, he needs to find his top fitness because the manager demands a lot from his players.

“That’s fine, I have no problem with that. But I don’t think you can throw him in straight away.

“He will have to be eased back in but every game is vital this season, there are no easy games.

“So at some point Ange will just have to take chance and put him in there.

“Jullien is a good option but you never know how a player is going to return after a long spell on the sidelines.

“Van Dijk has got back to his best at Liverpool so hopefully Jullien can follow his example.”

Van Dijk has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League season in 2021-22.

Celtic are next in action against Livingston on Saturday.