Celtic await Valgaeren scan

Celtic defender Joos Valgaeren will undergo a scan to discover if his season is over after picking up a suspected knee medial ligament injury at the weekend.

The Belgium international was injured in the defeat in Croatia during the Euro 2004 qualifier on Saturday.

The 27-year-old will be examined by the Parkhead medical team on his return to Glasgow tomorrow as manager Martin O’Neill keeps his fingers crossed that the player will not miss the crucial run-in to the end of the campaign, which includes the Premier League and UEFA Cup.

However, the club are confident the player will be available before the end of the campaign.

“While the defender hasn’t yet been seen by Celtic’s own medical staff, the initial impressions are that the injury is not as severe as first thought,” said a statement on the club’s website, www.celticfc.net.

“Obviously, such suggestions will require a more detailed look at the injury and Valgaeren will be closely examined on his return to Glasgow.

“The defender will undergo a scan in Belgium today after seeing a specialist and the results will be passed on to Celtic.”

But Belgian coach Aime Anthuenis admitted the injury had looked serious.

He said: “It looks like the injury could be serious.

“Joos has hurt his medial ligament and we’ll need to wait until the scan before we know the extent of it.”