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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

Celtic injury boost as Neil Lennon provides positive update on key quartet

Buoyant Neil Lennon insists Celtic are fit and firing ahead of their Europa League revenge clash with Cluj.

The Premiership champions will have Mikey Johnston , Leigh Griffiths, Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic in the mix to feature against the Romanians in the Europa League showdown on Thursday,

Only long-term absentees Jozo Simunovic and Daniel Arzani are definitely missing for Celtic .

Lennon said: "We are looking healthy, we have no fresh injuries. There’s a few bumps and bruises, Moritz (Bauer)’s ankle is still a little bit swollen.

(SNS Group Craig Foy)

“Nir Bitton is back in training now, Mikey Johnston is back in training now, so the only long-term absentee is Jozo.

Tom Rogic has a tiny little bit of fluid around the knee but he should train on Wednesday. Griffiths is back in training now but obviously he has missed a few weeks of training. But the squad depth is good.”

The Hoops boss is chomping at the bit to lock horns with Dan Petrescu's side after their heartbreaking 4-3 defeat in Champions League qualifying. 

Both sides subsequently got off to good starts after being paired against in the same Europa League group, Cluj defeating Lazio at home and Celtic drawing against Rennes in France.

(SNS Group)

He said: "I'm quite happy. 

"They have started the group very well. People talk about revenge, retribution. It's a motivation for the players because it's so recent. But in terms of the game, it's a home in Europe, it's one we want to win.

"We got off to a great start in the group as well so it's important we maximise home advantage."

Lennon learnt lessons from the second leg of their Champions League qualifier and is looking to put them into practicice.

(PA)

He said: "We started at a poor tempo and I think that's what really cost us," he said. "You can look at the individual goals we conceded in the second half but we let that 45 minutes get away from, us and found ourselves a goal down and chasing the tie, so that's something we have to look at.

"In terms of their style of play, they are very direct and very effective. I think it's going to be an energetic, high tempo game and I think that will suit us."

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