As Celtic stare down the barrel of a Covid-cocked gun heading into next Saturday’s match with Rangers, the earlier comments of Neil Lennon will come under the microscope.
The Parkhead club has released several frustrated statements during the international break with three of their players now likely to be ruled out due to Covid-19 related issues.
But with Celtic boasting the biggest squad in the division and having already played a St. Mirren side forced to sign an emergency loan to field a team, frustration is pretty much all they’ve got.
In the run-up to the St. Mirren match Celtic manager Neil Lennon has himself previously said it is “vital” for games to go ahead even when players are unavailable.
The Buddies had three goalkeepers unavailable after Covid-19 positives and resultant exposure to the virus.
“I don’t know what advantage would be gained by stopping things and starting up again later,” said Lennon [BBC Scotland].
“I don’t know how feasible that would be in terms of fixtures and the way the calendar is set out. I’m hoping it won’t be necessary, unless there’s a deluge [of cases] and it gets out of control.
“In conjunction with a lot of other leagues around the world, we’re getting a few positive tests. But you’ve got to carry on. I think it’s vital that we do.”
Couple this with the comments of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – who said there are no plans to postpone the game – and there should be no conversation around moving the tie.
Celtic midfielder-turned-defender Nir Bitton is the latest name to miss out on the club’s upcoming tie with Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers after testing positive for coronavirus [Celtic].
The Israeli international joins French U21 striker Odsonne Edouard in contracting the virus on international duty, whilst influential midfielder Ryan Christie is in self-isolation.
The Scotland international had been exposed to the virus by spending time with Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong – who tested positive – whilst on Scotland duty.
