Injury worries for O'Neill
Thursday, 22 February 2001 17:37Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has a number of injury worries ahead of the club's vital top-of-the-table clash against Hibernian this Sunday. Following last night's 1-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead, Bobby Petta and Joos Valgaeren are now both doubtful for Sunday's game after picking up injuries. Petta was substituted during the first-half after suffering a groin strain, while Valgaeren was also taken off with a hamstring problem. Both players are to undergo intensive treatment over the next 48 hours in an attempt to return to fitness in time to defend their 14-point lead on top of the Scottish Premier Division against Hibernian.
According to O'Neill Valgaeren is the more likely to be fit for the game but he may not start even if he is declared fit. "Valgaeren has the same problem he got on Saturday. He is alright to start with but after half-time he starts to seize up when his hamstring gets tight. He should be okay for Sunday's game, but we also have to bear in mind the fact we also have a lot of big games coming up," explained the Celtic manager.
O'Neill is excited about the weekend clash but he knows it will be tough. "I expect every game to be difficult now," explained O'Neill. "But Hibs on Sunday will be more open. Hibs will come here and won't change their system, which has brought them success this season, and I'm really looking forward to it," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
