International soccer: Valgaeren blow for Belgium

Celtic star Joos Valgaeren’s hopes of making Belgium’s World Cup squad this summer have suffered a setback after being forced out of this week’s friendly match with Norway because of a stomach injury.

The defender missed Celtic’s 5-0 victory over Dunfermline on Saturday having struggled in recent weeks with a groin problem.

Manager Martin O’Neill still gave the 24-year-old permission to link up with the rest of the squad in the slim hope he would recover.

However, it has emerged that Valgaeren’s injury worries are more serious than first thought and he has been suffering from severe stomach cramps for the past week.

The former Roda JC favourite is on his way back to Glasgow to receive treatment for the injury, but O’Neill will be concerned he may be forced to remain on the sidelines with some vital matches coming up.