Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer 'positive' of Old Firm fitness - Neil Lennon
- Published
Bauer may have to face Rangers - Lennon
Celtic's Kristoffer Ajer is "positive" about being fit for Sunday's Old Firm derby, says manager Neil Lennon.
Ajer went off with a groin injury in the 4-1 win against AIK in Sweden as Celtic progressed to the Europa League group stage 6-1 on aggregate.
Lennon said afterwards the defender was "very doubtful" for the weekend but there is a chance the Norwegian could play at Ibrox.
"He's had a little bit of acupuncture on it," said Lennon.
"He's getting treatment this morning and this afternoon and we will see how he responds to that on Saturday. Touch wood, our injuries seem to be clearing up pretty well."
Lennon also confirmed striker Odsonne Edouard "will be fine".
Edouard was replaced after 76 minutes against AIK after going down holding his leg but Lennon explained it was simply a case of cramp.
"Apart from Hatem Elhamed - who is reaching to get 100% fit - and Tom Rogic, we are in good shape physically, even though it's been a monumental month. Jozo Simunovic has been rested. He still has the issue with his knee, but we are hoping he will be in contention."
Lennon said new loan signing Moritz Bauer is likely to be included in the squad after joining from Stoke this week.
Celtic head across Glasgow for the first derby of the Scottish Premiership season in high spirits after what Lennon called an "awesome" performance against the Swedish champions.
They led through a 16th-minute James Forrest strike and responded to AIK's penalty equaliser by swiftly retaking the lead after superb play from Mikey Johnston led to an own goal by Oscar Linner.
Late efforts by Christopher Jullien and Lewis Morgan - their first strikes for the club - sealed a convincing victory as Celtic reached the Europa League group stage in pot two after faltering in the Champions League qualifiers.
"Our front four were marvellous, brilliant to watch," said Lennon, who singled out playmaker Ryan Christie for praise.
"Ryan is playing brilliantly," he said. "There's a lot of talk about other players in the country but he's up there with anybody. His performance, on and off the ball, was outstanding. He can be as good as he wants to be.
"We have a big one on Sunday. It's been a difficult couple of weeks after the Cluj result but the lads have bounced back brilliantly."
'We qualified for Europe. Now we have to beat Rangers'