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.

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.