LEIGH GRIFFITHS is standing by for his third Celtic start in eight days against Ross County at Parkhead tomorrow, but Neil Lennon has confirmed Jeremie Frimpong will miss out.
The 19-year-old Dutch defender is still recovering from the ferocious challenge from Alan Power in the Hoops’ 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in midweek.
Frimpong received attention for over six minutes before he was stretchered off after a clattering, over-zealous tackle from the midfielder that remarkably did not warrant a card of any colour from referee Don Robertson.
Lennon, speaking to BBC Sport, said: “We don’t think it’s as bad as we anticipated. He’s up walking about on it, but there’s a bit of soreness. We just don’t know the complete diagnosis yet.
“I thought the tackle was overly aggressive and it could easily have been a red card. We’ve seen reds given for that.”
The Hoops boss has also urged critics of comeback striker Griffiths to cut the 29-year-old Scotland international some slack.
The frontman has scored in his two return games – the 2-1 Scottish Cup triumph over Partick Thistle and the 3-1 victory over Killie – but has come in for flak from TV pundit Kris Boyd, who questioned the player’s previous application in training.
Lennon said: “I think a little more discretion or tact could be used at times.
“We want Leigh to flourish now and to be happy. He’s got plenty of mental strength otherwise he wouldn’t have been here at the club for so long.
“I don’t think people these days give what they are saying much thought. We live in an age now where there’s no accountability or responsibility at times, whether it’s a mental health issue or another issue.
“It would be nice if they showed him a wee bit more compassion at times. At the end of the day, he’s a human being.”
