Celtic manager Martin O'Neill will resist throwing new signing Bobo Balde in at the deep end against Ajax even though his defence could be severely weakened for tomorrow's crucial Champions League third qualifying round second leg at Parkhead. The Glasgow giants hold a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Amsterdam and only disaster tomorrow night would stop them from qualifying for a place in the Champions League group stages for the first time in their history.
But the Parkhead boss is sweating on the fitness of key defensive duo Johan Mjallby and Joos Valgaeren and will give them as much time as possible to recover from ankle and knee injuries respectively. O'Neill confirmed: "Our injury problems are still the same with the two lads, Johan and Joos still a bit of a concern. But Johan is feeling a bit better and although he didn't train today, I'll give him another day. Joos is in very much the same situation and I would say I'm hopeful about them, but not 100% confident. To lose them would be a big blow because they are big players for us and I'd like them to be on the field. But I think Johan would get himself strapped up for the game and tomorrow he would just have to stay off it."
O'Neill could have handed summer signing Balde a baptism of fire against the Dutch giants, but he insisted there would be no chance of that. The French defender made his debut in the famous green and white jersey in the under-21s victory over Aberdeen yesterday and came through the 90 minutes unscathed. Balde looked strong and composed after his lengthy absence, but the Irishman stressed he was not prepared to take the risk on him tomorrow.
O'Neill added: "I wouldn't consider him for this game at all. He's been out for a long time and although he did okay I thought he was a bit rusty. He got a great reception from the crowd who turned up at the game and he was pleased to get the 90 minutes under his belt. And while I think he impressed during the game, he did miss-time a couple of challenges. But overall he is pleased to get through the game and I'm pleased he suffered no reaction to the injury."
Filed by Shane Murray
