Striker problems for Bhoys ahead of Old Firm showdown

CELTIC are facing up to the prospect of being without two key strikers for the first Old Firm derby of the season.

The club have confirmed last season’s top scorer Scott McDonald has suffered a groin tear, while Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is rated 50-50 for Sunday’s Parkhead encounter after needing stitches in a deep leg gash.

McDonald missed Saturday’s victory over Falkirk, which lifted champions Celtic above Rangers on goal difference at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League .

It was hoped the problem he picked up on international duty with Australia last week would clear up in time for this weekend’s crunch clash, but the injury is worse than first thought.

Bhoys coach Neil Lennon said: “Scott has got a wee groin tear so he could be a doubt.”

And depending on the severity of the tear, McDonald could even be a doubt for the start of Celtic’s Champions League campaign next month.

Vennegoor of Hesselink lasted just 28 minutes of Saturday’s 3-0 win before being stretched off after a clash with Lee Bullen.

Lennon said: “Jan has got five stitches in an ankle injury so it could be 50-50 for the weekend. We will just have to see how he is.”

McDonald and Vennegoor of Hesselink combined to net 51 goals for Celtic last term and their loss would be a major blow to the club’s hopes of gaining the early-season initiative over Rangers.

Former Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras and new signing Shaun Maloney proved an effective partnership for almost an hour against Falkirk but there now appears few options for manager Gordon Strachan in any case.

There was better news on Gary Caldwell’s thigh injury. The defender, who picked up the problem in the 1-1 draw at Dundee United 10 days’ ago, is on track to return against Rangers.

Lennon said: “Gary had a thigh problem. But with the rest over the weekend, he should be fine.”