CELTIC CROCK COULD MISS REST OF YEAR

CELTIC frontman Vakoun Bayo has undergone a knee scan that could keep him out for the remainder of the year.

The Ivorian powerhouse, who has earned a place in the Hoops’ first team squads this season, has been struck down with an injury boss Neil Lennon reckons “may require surgery” that will sideline him for six weeks.

Bayo was nowhere to be seen as the champions overcame a gallant St Mirren side 2-0 at Parkhead last night to maintain their position at the Premiership pinnacle.

Second-half strikes from Mohamed Elyounoussi and James Forrest, celebrating his four-year contract extension, made certain of the points.

But gaffer Lennon is now a striker light at a crucial stage of the season with the first prize – the Betfred League Cup Final – up for grabs on December 8 with the holders due to play Hibs in the last-four crunch at Hampden on Saturday evening.

With Leigh Griffiths not having played since August, Odsonne Edouard is the team’s only fit attack-leader.

Lennon, speaking to the BBC Sport, admitted: “Bayo’s seeing a specialist. It’s not good.

“So, if he does need surgery we are looking at maybe six weeks. Leigh is back training tomorrow, but we’ll have to wait and see his condition.”

Bayo would be struggling to return before 2020 if he is out for six weeks. His rehabilitation period following possible surgery would almost certainly keep him out for a full two months.

The Irishman revealed earlier this week, as CQN reported, that he could look to sign another marksman in January to ease the burden on Edouard.

DOUBLE SALVO SINKS STUBBORN SAINTS