CELTIC boss Neil Lennon has admitted he’s not happy that Ryan Christie started all three of Scotland’s international matches.
The annoyed Hoops gaffer says he wish the talented attacker was rested for at least one of the games played by Steve Clarke’s side.
The playmaker was the hero in Belgrade as he played 85 minutes before two full 90-minutes in consecutive Nations League clashes with Slovakia and Israel.
Speaking to the media ahead of Celtic’s clash with Hibs tomorrow, Lennon was asked about his players getting a break during their time away on international duty.
And Lenny was sharp in his response.
He said: “Well he (Steve Clarke) didn’t rest Ryan – that didn’t please me.
“It was three 90 minutes in six days which is a big ask for any individual.
“So I think Steve tried to balance his squad as best he could but it looked like he didn’t want to play without Ryan in the games.
“I can’t be over critical of it but we would have liked him to have missed some of the games anyway but he’s played in all three!”
Meanwhile, Lennon has provided an injury update on Kristoffer Ajer and Jeremie Frimpong ahead of their trip to face Hibs tomorrow.
The Hoops gaffer expects to be without centre-half Ajer for the capital clash – revealing the game may come too soon for him.
The 22-year-old star didn’t play a single minute while away on international duty with Norway, with their national side being forced to sit out due to some coronavirus-related issues.
BUMPS & BRUISES Celtic boss Neil Lennon provides injury update on Kristoffer Ajer and Jeremie Frimpong ahead of Hibs
He arrived back into Scotland on Sunday along with fellow national team-mate Mohamed Elyounoussi.
But while Lenny doesn’t think he will be available to start tomorrow’s game, Ajer should be fit enough for their Europa League clash with Sparta Prague or next weekend against Ross County.
He told the media: “Maybe not fit for tomorrow but definitely this week, whether it be Sparta or Ross County.
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“He’s started training and feeling good but tomorrow’s too soon for him.”
Turning his attention to enthusiastic full back Frimpong, the Celts boss says he has NOT suffered ligament damage following a robust challenge from Motherwell’s Devante Cole in their last game.
The flying Dutchman has been training during the international break – but Lennon didn’t make it clear whether that means he will feature at Easter Road or not.
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