Neil Lennon: If Kieran Tierney can play for Arsenal, Ryan Christie should be cleared to play for Celtic Image: PA
Neil Lennon says Celtic will want answers if Ryan Christie misses Saturday’s Old Firm game as fellow self-isolator Kieran Tierney plays for Arsenal
The Hoops midfielder and Gunners defender missed Scotland’s recent triple header after coming into close contact with Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive for Covid-19
Ahead of the Rangers’ visit, the Parkhead boss claimed Celtic had learned that Tierney, also asked to self-isolate for 14 days, would be available to face Manchester City on Saturday
Lennon also revealed that Odsonne Edouard would be evaluated after his recovery from Covid-19, which was confirmed while on international duty with the France Under-21s, and that Swiss striker Albian Ajeti had trained after ignoring a hamstring injury
« Our medical department spoke with the club doctor (Arsenal) and they got clearance from Kieran to go ahead, » Lennon said
« It’s all settled here and what we’ve been told is that in this jurisdiction Ryan cannot be available to play which we find strange
« Peter (Lawwell, Managing Director) and the board have been insisting on this from day one and we’ve had no clarification, if anything, we’ve just met total resistance until now
« Ryan was devastated They felt they were following the procedures properly and he is probably guilty by association, but he had two tests with us, both negative, for 10 days.
« So we have a fit and capable player who is not allowed to play, which we find, if this scenario turns out that Kieran can play, we find that very confusing and we would like answers
« Our preparations went without Ryan It would probably be foolishness to change that now, but we would like him to be available for the team if possible and what we’re asking is, if it’s OK for the one, why is it not for the other?
As Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed go missing after testing positive for Covid-19 while on international service with Israel, Edward is back after his period of isolation
Lennon thinks it will be « very strange » not to have fans inside Celtic Park for an Old Firm derby, but is looking to extend an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions as a victory would put the champions above the Rangers by two points having played one match less
« I think it will be physical and fast, like any other derby, but I think it is dotted with a lot of quality players
« We are in excellent shape, we have won our last eight games, scored a lot of goals We are looking forward to » Fearing that the fans may travel, some from afar, to watch the game in pubs and clubs, Lennon offered advice to Celtic fans
He said: « Enjoy the game at home Stay with your family, don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger Please don’t travel
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Celtique FC, Rangers FC, Neil Lennon, Ryan Christie, Kieran Tierney, Old Firm, Odsonne Edouard
News from around the world – UK – Neil Lennon « would like answers » if Ryan Christie excluded Old Firm game
