Lennon suffers injury woes
CELTIC are facing an injury crisis ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Shakhtar Karagrandy.
Hoops boss Neil Lennon last night all but ruled out Beram Kayal, while striker Anthony Stokes and new £2.4 million defender Virgil Van Dijk are serious doubts. Not only that, but with James Forrest and Derk Boerrigter also rated only 50:50, he admits Lennon may have to deploy fullback Adam Matthews as an emergency winger.
“We are really, really stretched,” said the Irishman. “However, it is what is and you have got to get on with it.
“I am hoping Georgios Samaras and Kris Commons might be okay. They are really optimistic about things.
“With James and Derk we are going to have to wait and see how they come on in the next couple of days. “Stoksie had a scan and it is a Grade One calf strain. He wants to participate, but he is doubtful.
“It will be a blow if we have to without him because I wanted to get him on in the first game in Kazakhstan.”
Lennon said he hopes to get two players in by midweek – a striker and a
midfielder – but played down reports linking them with Cameron Stewart of Hull.
“There was an interest there but no bid been made,” he said.
“We spoke to his representatives a long time ago but he has had knee surgery recently. I believe he is fit again but we are looking at other options as well.”
“We are looking to get one signed over the next couple of days. We have another one’s representatives in on Monday so hoping to get a deal done there.
“The midfielder we think is a good player, but it is all hypothetical at the moment because we need to speak to his representatives and the club.”
Inverness skipper Richie Foran, meanwhile, tried to look on the bright side.