Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers plays down injury concerns on defender Erik Sviatchenko

By Mark Ashenden

Image: Erik Sviatchenko should be OK for Celtic's midweek European campaign

Erik Sviatchenko should be fit for Celtic's Champions League qualifier with Lincoln Red Imps despite suffering a head injury on Saturday.

The Danish defender came off with a knock during the first half of a 2-1 friendly win over German side Wolfsburg at Parkhead after clashing with visiting goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.

Rodgers played 18-year-old Kristoffer Ajer alongside Eoghan O'Connell, with Efe Ambrose, at fault for the goal in Celtic's shock 1-0 Champions League qualifying defeat by Gibraltarians Lincoln on Tuesday, one of 10 changes after the interval.

After goals from Callum McGregor and substitute Ryan Christie gave Rodgers victory in his first home game as boss, he removed any fears concerning his limited defensive options ahead of the return meeting with Lincoln.

"He's okay," said the former Liverpool manager of Sviatchenko. "He has spoiled his good looks for a few days but he is fine.

Advertisement

"There was obviously a clash of heads and he was a bit swollen below the eye but apart from that he is fine. I believe he will be fine."

Celtic home joy

Celtic conquer Wolfsburg in Saturday's friendly

Regarding reported interest in Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan, Rodgers added: "The only time I would speak about a player is when he comes in here. Young Jon Flanagan is a player that I know very well, but there is no update on any player."

Also See:

And he was equally evasive about Celtic's possible opponents in the third Champions League qualifier.

If, as expected, the Hoops get through against Lincoln, they will play Astana of Kazakhstan or Zalgiris Vilnius of Lithuania in the third qualifying round.

Image: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers seemed to enjoy his first home game

Rodgers said: "The only concentration is on the next game. The object was to come out on Wednesday at the end of the game and be through to the next round.

"If we get through in that, and we expect to go through, we will look to the next challenge."

Midfielder Nir Bitton was missing with a problematic hip flexor but Rodgers conceded he is more than covered in that area of the pitch, as Stefan Johansen could return to training on Monday after shaking off an ankle complaint.

"I don't need to worry about losing a midfield player, I think we have another 20 to pick from," he said.

Outbrain