Honest Neil Lennon admits Covid-19 has had a big impact on Celtic.
But the Parkhead boss is adamant he’d never attempt to deny his stars the chance to fulfill boyhood dreams and turn out for their country.
Lennon’s squad for Saturday’s Old Firm clash has been ravaged by coronavirus with Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed both ruled out having tested positive during their camps with Israel.
Ryan Christie will also miss the crunch against Rangers having been placed into a 14-day self-isolation following the positive of Stuart Armstrong in the Scotland set-up.
And star-striker Odsonne Edouard also tested positive while on duty with France Under-21s and won’t be able to return to Lennoxtown until Friday jeopardising his Old Firm prospects.
Lennon admits it’s not been an ideal situation with players encountering Covid problems having exited the Celtic bubble, but says it’s a difficult situation for all parties concerned and that he would not wish to stand in the way of his players’ national-team aspirations.
Speaking in The Celtic View, he said: “The coronavirus had a huge impact on us during the international break.
“If we think about all the testing we have done within the bubble at Celtic, we’ve been very strict and the protocols have all been followed.
“The club has done a great job regarding that, keeping everyone safe and protected.
“It’s out of your hands when the players go away on international duty.
“We’ve had some guys ruled out now and then you’re sitting at home biting your nails hoping that nothing else happens. Not only with the Covid situation but with the chance of a player picking up a physical injury.
“That’s always on the back of your mind, too.
“Even if we could, though, you never really want to stop a player from playing for his country because it means so much to them.
“From a personal point of view, doing so is among players’ main targets growing up and even as they progress through their club careers.
“It’s difficult for UEFA, it’s difficult for the clubs because of the concertina impact it’s going to have on the season and this is all new to everyone.”
Lennon has made calls to all of those affected and continued: “I’ve spoken to all of the boys and they are all in good spirits.
“Ryan is obviously self-isolating, but we had a treadmill sent up to him and he’s been doing workouts in the house.
“Ultimately, we want the guys to rest, get well and we’ll welcome them back into the fold with open arms when they’re ready in a couple of weeks.”
Olivier Ntcham has also updated on the wellbeing of countryman Edouard and said: “I think these things are always a shock, but I spoke with Odsonne and he’s doing okay, he’s feeling good and recovering well.
“He’s keeping active every day and the club and the French football organisation have handled it well.
“I hope he is going to be fine soon. His health is the most important thing and I think everyone understands that.”
