Celtic hope sprouts in Brussels for O’Neill

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill has had good news on three fronts as he chases his first Champions League away victory against Anderlecht.

Alan Thompson, Chris Sutton and Stanislav Varga gave him some concern over the weekend having either suffered injuries or aggravated existing problems. But the trio appear to have recovered from the knocks and trained in the Stade Constant Vanden Stock last evening to try and prove they are ready to take on Anderlecht.

“Varga is feeling much better and will do a bit of training,” said O’Neill. “Alan and Chris are also going to train tonight.”

O’Neill looked worried by the news that Austrian referee Fritz Stuchlik was the same man who awarded a controversial penalty against Scotland in their Euro 2004 qualifying clash away to Lithuania.

He penalised Celtic’s Jackie McNamara because he “heard something”, which left the Irishman almost speechless. “Because he heard something?” asked O’Neill.

“That’s a bit disconcerting if that’s the case. He’s the official tomorrow night and I’m sure he’ll hear a few noises.”

Celtic lie second in Group A but despite talk of an injury crisis in the Anderlecht camp, he was refusing to write off the Belgian side too quickly.

“They are a very strong side and have been getting good results in the league,” added O’Neill.

Anderlecht beat Manchester United here 2-1 three seasons ago and O’Neill clearly sees them as a big threat to his side’s hopes of qualifying for the next stage despite beating Hearts, Lyon and Rangers in their last three matches.

“We have been playing well recently but it counts for nothing now. “We are going into the game with confidence.

“I watched them against Bruges and they played well and I’ve been very impressed with them. I also watched them against Bayern Munich and it’s going to be difficult for us. From what I’ve heard they were a wee bit unfortunate not to have beaten Bayern so we know how difficult this one’s going to be.”

Anderlecht coach Hugo Broos is facing arguably the biggest decision of his managerial career despite the welcome news Glen de Boeck and Hannu Tihinen have declared themselves fit to play.

The Belgians have been ravaged by an injury crisis, but the influential duo have told their manager they want to play and travelled to the team hotel last night.

De Boeck declared: “I can run okay and can play.” But his manager was not so confident, joking: “My grandfather can also run without pain.”