Celtic boss buoyed up for an epic

Neil Lennon believes the absence of Lionel Messi from tonight’s Champions League clash with Barcelona at Celtic Park is a boost for Celtic, but insists it is also “tinged with sadness”.

The 26-year-old Argentina forward injured his thigh in a 2-0 Primera Division win over Almeria on Saturday and has been ruled out for between two and three weeks.

Bhoys boss Lennon, whose side lost their Group H opener 2-0 to AC Milan at San Siro, said: “It is obviously very good news for us because he is the best player in the world.