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Lennon to assess star duo

2012-08-08 08:25:12

Celtic have been given an injury boost with the news that Georgis Samaras will be fit to face HJK Helsinki in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round on Wednesday

Samaras (centre) fit but Brown struggling (right)

However, skipper Scott Brown and striker James Forrest will be given time to prove their fitness before manager Neil Lennon finalises his starting line-up.

Greece international Samaras has recovered from a facial injury, but Brown and Forrest are battling hip and groin injuries respectively.

Lennon said: “Georgios will be fine. We will see how James and Scott are this evening.

“They are still a little bit stiff and sore.

“We are giving them as much time as we can, and maybe even give them until tomorrow afternoon.

“I think there has been a significant improvement in both of them over the last couple of days.

“Having spoken to the medical team, yes (Brown’s chances are good). Scott likes to play even when he is not 100%.

“He is such an important player for us but because it is such an important game, we can’t take too many chances.

“And it is still so early in the season as well. We don’t want to lose him if we push him too hard, too early.”

Celtic hold a 2-1 first-leg advantage going into the clash in Finland tonight.