KRISTOFFER AJER is set to miss Celtic’s opening Europa League Group match against Rosenborg tomorrow evening after picking up a virus this week which has laid him low. Brendan Rodgers described his as being ‘a major doubt’ for this match.
Also out is Jozo Simunovic who has an knee injury but Jack Hendry has recovered from the ankle knock that he was carrying for a few games until having to admit he needed treatment after the win over Patrick Thistle in the League Cup.
Hendry could get the nod to play alongside Dedryck Boyata tomorrow evening in the heart of the Celtic defence but Brendan Rodgers is more likely to play recent loan signing from Leicester City, Filip Bdenkovic.
The big Croatian strolled through his debut on Friday evening in Paisley before being replaced by Leigh Griffiths as ten man Celtic looked to break the deadlock. The 21 year old is certainly relishing the prospect of getting some Europa League action under his belt during his time in Glasgow and tomorrow night could be his chance to make his home debut and also sample playing for Celtic in a big European occasion.
Benkovic has had a a chat with Celtic TV about his own excitement at playing in Europe for Celtic, starting tomorrow and also looks back to his debut at Paisley last Friday.
“This will be a very good experience for all of us and we all want to make sure that we play good football and get a good result,” he said.
“We have a tough group, but we believe in ourselves and in our opportunities. The only way we’ll get a good result is by working as a team and I believe we will do it.
“I was very happy to make my debut but unfortunately it wasn’t the result that we wanted.
“It’s a very physical league and I like that as I think I can improve in this area.
“There are a lot of fixtures coming up and, for me, I just want to improve in training and give everything that I can to prove that I deserve to play.”
????️ Lennoxtown#StormAli didn't affect the mood of the Bhoys at training this morning! ????#CELRBK #UEL pic.twitter.com/QCIcrJkFOz
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 19, 2018
