O'Neill helpless over international call-ups

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admits there is little he can do to prevent players such as Joos Valgaeren risking injury for their country.

The Belgian defender is set for a scan on possible knee medial ligament damage after the defeat in Croatia at the weekend.

Valgaeren could now miss the run-in to the campaign, which includes the end of the Scottish Premier League season and the UEFA Cup semi-final against Boavista.

But the Parkhead boss concedes it is an anxious time for all club managers just weeks before the end of the season when crucial issues will be determined.

O’Neill told www.celticfc.net: “It is a big month for us, but the recent news from those away on international duty hasn’t been good with Joos the latest player to be injured.

“This is the worrying time for all club managers concerned because there are so many games.

“I understand the nature of it but, at the same time, it is no consolation when someone goes on international duty and is then injured.

“Joos will go for a scan as soon as he returns on Tuesday and we will have to take it from there.”

O’Neill will not discover the full extent of Valgaeren’s injury until the defender goes for a scan tomorrow.

However, the club are confident fears he will miss the rest of the season are unfounded.

“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.

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

But Belgian coach Aime Anthuenis admitted the injury looked serious.

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

But Valgaeren is not the only Celtic player on international duty.

Scotland goalkeeper Rob Douglas is carrying a slight thigh strain ahead of the Euro 2004 qualifier in Lithuania.

And Bobo Balde, Momo Sylla, Stilian Petrov, Henrik Larsson, Johan Mjallby, Paul Lambert, Jamie Smith, Jackie McNamara, John Hartson and Colin Healy are all representing their countries this week.