LENNY’S HOPES FOR INTERNATIONAL CELTS

THERE will be no rest for the international Celts during the break with Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and James Forrest on duty for Scotland.

Steve Clarke included the Hoops trio in his squad for the meaningless Euro 2020 qualifiers in Cyprus on Saturday and Kazakhstan at Hampden a week tomorrow.

Neil Lennon is hoping the international boss doesn’t put too much onus on his players with the workload they have to endure at club level,and with a hectic nine-game schedule ahead in December.

The Parkhead gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Hopefully, the international boys go away and are successful, but come back fit and healthy.

“It’s difficult. I know Arsenal have done it with Kieran Tierney, but it’s also important for Steve to have our players there. Whether we can have a chat about how much of a contribution they can make is another thing and that goes for the other players, as well.

“Some of them have big games and they enjoy playing for their country, it means a lot to them.

“They probably like going home for a bit, as well, because it breaks up the rigours of the Scottish game.

“There are some things that are out of your control and they’re proud to play for their country.

“I hope they’re successful, the majority of them are in a good place and we just want them back injury-free.”

McGregor, Christie and Forrest were all involved in the 2-0 Premiership win over Motherwell in Glasgow yesterday where Odsonne Edouard netted his 13th goal of the season to pave the way to three crucial points.

Richard Tait put through his own goal in the second-half to cement the victory in an encounter where the champions could have score a few more.

The players who are not representing their respective countries will continue to train at Lennoxtown as they prepare for the visit of Livingston a week on Saturday.

Lennon will want his full squad fit and raring to go as they seek revenge against the only Scottish side to have beaten them in this campaign.

* AWESOME ODSONNE LEADS THE CHARGE