Balde concern for Celtic

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill admitted he is sweating on the fitness of Bobo Balde for tonight's crucial Champions League Group F clash with Shakhtar Donetsk after revealing Joos Valgaeren and Ulrik Laursen were major injury doubts.

The Guinea international missed the weekend win over Hearts at Parkhead with a knee injury but he was expected to train at the Central Stadium last night.

But with only experienced defenders Stanislav Varga and Jackie McNamara fit, O'Neill is desperate for him to prove his fitness.

O'Neill had considered keeping Chris Sutton in defence after his performance against Hearts, but the manager admitted he would prefer him to be in a more attacking role.

"I think Chris has obviously shown his versatility to play in a number of positions for us. That is good news for us, but we will see how Bobo is first of all before making that sort of decision. Chris played well at the weekend but I would prefer him playing further up the field. He will go back there, or at least I hope he will go back there, willingly."

Despite two opening defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan and his injury concerns, O'Neill is still confident going into the game.Something has to give with both teams on zero points, but Celtic need to avoid defeat just to have any chance of securing a consolation UEFA Cup place.

It could be said luck has again deserted them - this time on the eve of a big game - but O'Neill was far from making any excuses.

"Not everybody is fit to play tomorrow but we will be upbeat because it is a big game for us as it is for them," O'Neill said.

"We don't have points on board yet between us and that is obviously going to change tomorrow. It is a very big game for both sides."

Celtic captain Jackie McNamara admits even if his team-mates produce their best tonight it might not be good enough for victory. "They are an unknown quantity with people back home but we have prepared for this," said McNamara. "They are a very dangerous side and will cause a lot of problems. We will have to be at our best tomorrow to get something."