Celtic forward Leigh Griffiths has admitted that the absence of several key players against Ajax tonight is a big blow for his side.
As many as four first team regulars will miss the vital clash against the Dutch giants at Celtic Park tonight, with the Hoops’ chances of progressing in the tournament hanging by a thread.
Skipper Scott Brown has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with suspected ligament damage, while Kris Commons remains doubtful for the Europa League game due to injury.
On the other hand, Stefan Johansen and Nir Bitton will play no part against Ajax as the duo are suspended.
But Griffiths, who is aware that Celtic will not find it easy without their “big-game players”, has however, backed the other players to step up in the quartet’s absence.
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“It’s a big blow for us”, he added.
“They’re big-game players but it gives an opportunity to some of the other lads who haven’t been playing to come in and stake a claim for a place.
“It’s going to be difficult for them but they wouldn’t be at Celtic if they weren’t big-game players.
"The manager proved that last season by throwing Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong straight in against Inter Milan and we saw the job they did there, so no matter who plays tomorrow they’re going to have to put in a performance.
“We have a number of players that can play in that position and it’s ultimately up to the manager who plays there].”
Celtic, who are in fourth place in Group A of the Europa League with just two points from four games, need to win their last two group fixtures to progress in the tournament.
