Injured duo join Celtic squad

Bobo Balde and Joos Valgaeren flew to the Ukraine with the rest of the Celtic party today.

Manager Martin O’Neill admitted he might have to play Chris Sutton at the back with defensive injury problems.

But the club have been given a boost ahead of the vital Champions League Group F game with Shakhtar Donetsk with the pair being fit enough to travel with the rest of the squad.

The pair missed the 3-0 win over Hearts through injury and were rated doubtful.

Stanislav Varga and Jackie McNamara were the only other fit defenders but Balde and Valgaeren will be given every chance to be fit for the tie as Celtic go in search of a much needed win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.