McManus must let doctor decide

Benfica v Celtic: Celtic are still looking for their first away win in the tournament but manager Gordon Strachan insists he…

Benfica v Celtic:Celtic are still looking for their first away win in the tournament but manager Gordon Strachan insists he will not jeopardise the health of defender Stephen McManus, knocked out in Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Rangers.

McManus was taken off on a stretcher before the interval at Ibrox after clashing heads with Rangers striker Daniel Cousin.

McManus trained alone yesterday and will be given every chance by Strachan to make the game.

"I leave it to the doctor to tell me if he is physically fit then I will leave it up those two to decide," said Strachan.

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Strachan welcomed the return to his squad of midfielder Paul Hartley who came off against Gretna just over a fortnight ago with a hamstring injury.

Celtic were beaten 3-0 by Benfica in Lisbon in the group stages of last season's competition but Strachan has refused to read anything in to that result.

"Last year's Benfica is gone. We will see this year's Benfica tomorrow," he said.