Lennon hopes for Douglas go-ahead

Key witness Neil Lennon is keeping his fingers crossed that UEFA “see sense” on Monday and clear Robert Douglas to play in the Nou Camp.

European football’s governing body have delayed making a decision until they sift through written statements – including Lennon and two other team-mates.

The Northern Irishman is adamant the Celtic goalkeeper is innocent and he is praying UEFA also take their strong case into account and drop his suspension.

Lennon said: “From what I saw in the tunnel he is totally justified in this case.

“We have already discussed it with the club and the boys that witnessed it.

“I am hoping UEFA see sense with it and get him off. I don’t know how the fourth official took the decision about what happened in the tunnel.

“I can’t tell you what happened for legal reasons but I was involved in giving evidence in a written statement. Three of us gave evidence.

“We have spoken to the lawyers and hopefully on Monday UEFA will make the right decision.”

The former Leicester midfielder believes Douglas’ experience would be crucial against Barcelona in the UEFA Cup fourth-round second-leg match.

But if his appeal is rejected, Lennon still claims he would have no fears over teenage goalkeeper handling the hostile atmosphere of the Nou Camp.

He continued: “David has done well for us. He has been with us the last couple of years but you can’t beat experience.

“Rab has been terrific since he came back into the team and he’s been faultless. We always want more experienced players.

“But if Rab doesn’t win the appeal and we have to go in with young David I don’t think any of the players would have any qualms about him playing. He has done great for us.”

Celtic are also sweating on the fitness of Stanislav Varga and with Bobo Balde suspended, Lennon is more concerned about the Slovakian being fit than the goalkeeping situation.

He explained: “He’s been tremendous and a big bonus for us.

“He has come from nowhere to be a rock for us. In set pieces for and against he has been vital for us.

“Obviously Bobo is missing and if we lose Stan then we are going to be really stretched at the back. Hopefully he’ll be alright.”

Lennon has also voiced his concern about the possibility of on-loan playmaker David Fernandez facing his employers in the semi-final of the Tennent’s Scottish Cup.

The Spaniard wants to play against his Parkhead team-mates but the midfielder admits he would ask the manager to block his wish – even if it meant upsetting Fernandez.

“I’d prefer it if he didn’t play,” smiled Lennon. “I have seen the last few games and he played a really good game in the CIS Cup final and again last night.

“If it was up to me I’d be asking the manager to leave him out – sorry David.”

Lennon was also relieved to hear Paul Lambert’s agent rubbish reports that the player would walk out on Celtic early for a coaching course with the German FA.

Gordon Smith told the Press Association that the former European Cup winner would see out the remainder of his contract which would have gone down well with his team-mates.

“I wasn’t aware of that,” shrugged Lennon. “That would be a hammer blow especially as we are already losing Henrik.

“He is a great player and a great foil for me and I’d be loathe for him to do that (leave Celtic).

“Time catches up on us all and there are a lot of players in their mid-30s.

“Inevitably the whole team in time breaks up – but I hope that’s not the case.”