Triple Benfica boost for Celtic

Stephen McManus left Glasgow with Celtic on Monday

Celtic have received a triple injury boost ahead of Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Benfica.

Stephen McManus, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Paul Hartley all travelled to Portugal on Monday.

McManus had been doubtful after being knocked out during Saturday's defeat by Rangers - a match missed by the injured Vennegoor of Hesselink and Hartley.

Steven Pressley, who has been a longer-term injury absentee, has also travelled and could play if required.

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The experienced central defender, who has not played this season because of a back injury, could act as cover should McManus fail to recover.

Out-of-favour centre-half Bobo Balde checked in with Gordon Strachan's squad.

Stephen is a big figurehead to the club now Celtic coach Tommy Burns

There were fears that captain McManus could miss Wednesday's game after his head knock at Ibrox.

But Celtic first-team coach Tommy Burns said: "Thank God he has recovered very well and he has travelled."

And Burns revealed that the coaching staff and McManus were hopeful the 25-year-old will lead his team-mates out at the Estadio da Luz.

"I think we have got to remember that Stephen is still a young man and he is a young man in football terms also," Burns said.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Why was bobo not back in the team weekend? He's got to be playing Wednesday, surely hagis7kingofkings

"It's only the last couple of seasons that he has got in the first team and he has done exceptionally well.

"But he is a big figurehead to the club now, so we are hopeful he can go and lead the boys on Wednesday night.

"It's entirely down to himself and the doctor at this moment in time."

McManus left the pitch on a stretcher wearing an oxygen mask after losing consciousness following a clash of heads with Rangers striker Daniel Cousin.

The Celtic defender had stitches put in a head wound the previous Saturday after another clash of heads in Scotland's victory over Ukraine.

Midfielder Hartley and striker Vennegoor of Hesselink were missing on Saturday with hamstring problems.