O’Neill plays waiting game on Balde’s fitness

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill admitted he is sweating on the fitness of Bobo Balde for tonight’s crucial Champions League Group F clash with Shakhtar Donetsk after revealing both Joos Valgaeren and Ulrik Laursen were major injury doubts.

Wed, 20 Oct, 2004 - 01:00
Chris Roberts

Guinea international Balde missed the weekend win over Hearts at Parkhead with a knee injury.

With only experienced defenders Stanislav Varga and Jackie McNamara fit, O’Neill is desperate for the giant to declare himself fit.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

CONNECT WITH US TODAY

Whatsapp logo

WHATSAPP

Newsletter logo

NEWSLETTERS

Notification logo

NOTIFICATIONS

Be the first to know the latest news and updates

More in this section

David Courell 30/9/2026 Battered and bruised, FAI chiefs unable to counter punch under Oireachtas scope
Portugal v Wales - UEFA Nations League - League A - Jose Alvalade Stadium Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp and vows to reveal reasons for exit
Gavin Bazunu 30/9/2026 FAI admits nobody spoke to Ireland goalkeepers about playing Israel
CourtsSoccerPlace: ParkheadPerson: O’NeillPerson: BaldePerson: Martin O’NeillPerson: Bobo BaldePerson: ValgaerenPerson: Ulrik LaursenPerson: Stanislav VargaPerson: Jackie McNamaraPerson: Chris SuttonPerson: ChrisPerson: BoboPerson: ShakhtarEvent: Champions League Group FOrganisation: CelticOrganisation: Shakhtar DonetskOrganisation: HeartsOrganisation: BarcelonaOrganisation: AC Milan
<p>A general view of the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City face the threat of severe sanctions after an independent commission found they had "clearly intended to circumvent Premier League rules" over a nine-season period. Picture date: Wednesday September 30, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.</p>

Rival clubs feel relegating Manchester City to Championship would not be enough

READ NOW

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Latest

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited