Lennon hopeful of Euro boost

16 November 2012 15:22
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is hopeful he will have several key players back for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Benfica in Lisbon. Gary Hooper, Thomas Rogne and James Forrest remain missing for Saturday's SPL clash at Aberdeen but Lennon is hopeful they will make the flight to Portugal on Monday.

Lennon also hopes to have Scott Brown fit as his skipper fights an ongoing hip problem while fellow midfielder Joe Ledley is looking to shake off a knock he picked up in last weekend's draw with St Johnstone. Speaking about the Pittodrie clash, Lennon said: "Gary won't make it. We are hoping he will start training on Sunday.

"Lassad is back in the squad. Rogne will hopefully train on Sunday. "Forrest, at first we thought it was a hamstring strain, but it looks like he has damaged a nerve. We are hoping that will settle down and he can travel with us on Monday.

"Brown and Ledley are doubts for tomorrow but they should make Tuesday." Hooper has been missing with a hamstring problem while Rogne has a calf injury. Left-back Emilio Izaguirre is out for about another month with a hamstring strain.

Source: team_talk