Petrov worry for O'Neill

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has had his UEFA Cup plans disrupted by a facial injury to midfielder Stilian Petrov.

The Bulgaria international had 15 stitches around his mouth after a collision with Livingston defender Marvin Andrews on Sunday.

The Hoops boss had initially believed the injury would not affect the player’s fitness for the UEFA Cup tie against Celta Vigo on Thursday.

But, after assessing the wound and Petrov’s inability to speak properly, the Parkhead boss admits he is facing an anxious wait for the 22-year-old – although he believes the game against the Spaniards will prove too big an opportunity to miss for the midfielder.

O’Neill said: “He was still very groggy and sore, but it is early yet.

“It was a nasty injury that he took, but we will give him every possible chance to be fit.

“Knowing Stan this isn’t a game that he would want to miss and I’m sure that if there is any chance of him making it, then he’ll be pushing himself to do so.”

But O’Neill has no other fresh injury concerns with only goalkeeper Magnus Hedman and defender Johan Mjallby still on the sidelines.

Wingers Didier Agathe and Steve Guppy were both rested for the 2-0 win at the City Stadium as Celtic prepare to try and remain in European competition beyond Christmas for the first time in over two decades.

O’Neill said: “Alan Thompson complained about a hamstring problem before the game, but he came through with no problems.

“I just rested Didier Agathe and Steve for the game and they will come in no problem on Thursday.”

But the form of Celtic goalkeeper Rob Douglas will be especially pleasing to O’Neill as the Hoops enter a crucial stage of the campaign.

The Celta Vigo tie will be followed by games against Motherwell and Hibernian in swift succession before the Old Firm derby on December 7.

The Scotland number one was crucial to the win at Livingston and saved a penalty by Portuguese star Luis Figo on international duty last week.

But Douglas is determined to put right his errors in the first Glasgow derby against Rangers in October where the Hoops keeper was castigated for his mistakes in the 3-3 draw.

Douglas said: “That period after the Rangers game was the hardest part of my career so far.

“It was a disappointing game for me, but you would have thought I had murdered someone by the reaction in some quarters.

“As a goalkeeper you know you’re the last line of defence and when you make a mistake you’ve lost a goal.

“But I’m pleased with the way I’ve responded since. I’ve been playing well and we’re back at the top of the SPL.

“I pulled off a good save against Livingston and the fans started singing my name which was nice.”