Majstorovic set for eight weeks on sidelines

Celtic defender Daniel Majstorovic is set to miss the Co-operative Insurance Cup final with Rangers and could be absent for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title run in after fracturing a toe on his right foot.

The Sweden international defender was forced off at half-time of last Saturday's 2-0 win over Hamilton and could be out for up to eight weeks, ruling him out of the March 20 Old Firm final at Hampden.

A statement on the club's official website, www.celticfc.net, read: "Daniel Majstorovic could be missing for up to eight weeks after picking up an injury in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hamilton.

"The big defender was forced to come off at half-time and was replaced by Thomas Rogne. After the match, it was discovered that he had suffered a fractured right toe.

"And following a specialist consultation, it's been estimated the Swedish international will be out of action for six to eight weeks."

Majstorovic's absence means Celtic's defensive resources will be tested at a pivotal stage of the season.

Neil Lennon's side hold a five-point lead over Rangers, who have two games in-hand, with the SPL split approaching and the campaign coming to a close.

Celtic are also still in contention in the Scottish Cup and play their quarter-final tie at Inverness on Sunday.

Rogne, Charlie Mulgrew and Glenn Loovens are the options Lennon has for replacing Majstorovic in central defence.