CELTIC face a sweat over the fitness of Adam Matthews as Ronny Deila’s team step onto the treble tightrope at Tannadice tomorrow.
The Welsh international right-back is a doubt for the Scottish Cup quarter-final crunch against Dundee United after twisting an ankle in the 1-0 midweek defeat from St Johnstone at Parkhead.
Striker John Guidetti is also struggling with an ankle injury while midfielder Kris Commons is a doubt with a thigh knock. Commons didn’t even last 15 minutes in the 4-0 victory over Aberdeen a week ago before limping off.
Left-back Emilio Izaguirre, who has missed the games against the Dons and the Perth outfit, could also be forced onto the sidelines after breaking a hand against Inter Milan in the San Siro.
Hoops gaffer Deila, of course, will also be without Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, who are Cup-tied after turning out for the Tayside team earlier in the competition.
However, United boss Jackie McNamara, the former Celtic skipper, received better news when striker Nadir Ciftci won his appeal against a two-match suspension following his clash with Inverness Caley Thistle defender Gary Warren last week. The SFA wheeled out their ‘not proven’ verdict which was used to assist a Rangers* player earlier in the season (despite TV evidence establishing his crime). Not surprising the SFA did not use this ‘Not Proven’ verdict in the recent racism row when no-one else heard the comment except the player who complained. Even after appeal, the SFA upheld a 7 match ban.
Ciftci can therefore consider himself lucky that Dundee United are facing Celtic in the Final next week. Had Rangers* progressed from the semi-final his ban would have no doubt been upheld.
That said we’re glad he is able to play in a major final for his club.
Staying with Dundee United, their goalkeeper Michal Szromnik returns after serving a suspension, but defender Callum Morris, who has a thigh strain, is doubtful.
