Blow for Celtic as Balde suffers leg break

CELTIC have confirmed defender Bobo Balde suffered a broken leg during the Bank of Scotland Premier League draw with Dundee United on Stephen’s Day.

The Guinea international will now be out for several months as a result of the injury.

A Celtic statement said: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that Bobo Balde suffered a leg break during the 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

“The Guinean defender, who has been integral part of the Hoops squad since joining the club from Toulouse in 2001, will be out for a number of months.”

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan believes cost rather than over-confidence kept thousands of Hoops fans way from their last two home games.

Official attendances given for the 1-0 win over Falkirk on Saturday and the 2-2 draw with Dundee United on St Stephen’s Day were given as 55,000 and 57,343 respectively but given the empty seats all round Celtic Park, it seemed that many season-ticket holders had stayed at home.

With the Parkhead side odds on to retain their title and showing little signs of collapsing – the 2-2 draw with United were the first points dropped at home this season – suggestions are that the supporters are struggling to muster enthusiasm for what is turning into a procession towards the title.

But Strachan said: “A result like that will make sure that everybody knows that it is not over. But I think people can’t afford the two home games over the Christmas period. It’s okay having a season ticket but it’s the cost of the travelling, the programmes and everything else that goes with it.”