Neil Lennon relaxed over lengthy Celtic injury list ahead of Helsingborg

Neil Lennon is confident a ten-strong injury list will clear up in time for Celtic's Champions League play-off tie with Helsingborgs IF.

Anthony Stokes, Scott Brown, James Forrest, Daryl Murphy, Mo Bangura, Rabiu Ibrahim, Filip Twardzik, Dylan McGeouch and Paddy McCourt will all miss the trip to face Ross County on Saturday, while Gary Hooper is also a doubt.

Celtic fly to Sweden on Monday for the first leg of their crucial European tie but, despite the number of casualties, Lennon believes the majority will train on Sunday and be in with a chance of taking part in the fixture.

"It is a huge concern regarding Tuesday," he said. "It is a big game tomorrow and we're not looking too far ahead of ourselves. It is a game I want to win.

"Ross County are unbeaten in 36 and that is a very impressive record at any level.

"We started the season very well but now I've three of my main strikers out. That is a concern.

"Stokes has a bit of bone bruising and you can never tell or put a length of time on that injury.

"Murphy has a hamstring injury, Mo's a thigh. They aren't long-term injuries but we could be doing with them at the minute.

"I'm not overly concerned. I'm hopeful that the majority of those boys I've mentioned will train on Sunday."

Celtic have racked up the air miles in the early season, travelling to Helsinki for a Champions League tie, heading to Philadelphia to take on Real Madrid and now bound for Dingwall to resume their SPL campaign.

Lennon concedes the time spent in the air may have had an effect on his squad's fitness.

"You take into factors like it was a rigorous pre-season and we've done a lot of travelling," he said.

"That might factor in to why we are picking up a few knocks and strains."

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