Soccer

Anthony Stokes pulls out of Celtic’s Romania trip through illness

Striker send home from airport ahead of Europa League away game

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has been ruled out of their trip to Romania through illness. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA
Celtic striker Anthony Stokes has been ruled out of their trip to Romania through illness. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA
Wed Nov 05 2014 - 10:09

Celtic suffered a blow when sickly striker Anthony Stokes was sent home ahead of the club's flight to Romania ahead of their Europa League clash with Astra Giurgiu.

Stokes turned up for the flight at Glasgow Airport despite feeling unwell and club medical staff decided he was too ill to travel.

The last-minute development is a huge blow to manager Ronny Deila, who is already missing top goalscorer John Guidetti as well as injured attacking players Kris Commons and James Forrest.

Guidetti has scored nine goals in nine games since arriving on loan from Manchester City but the deal was not completed in time for him to be registered in time for Europe.

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Stokes has started the last two Europa League games, including the 2-1 home win win over Astra which saw his fellow forward Stefan Scepovic score. Leigh Griffiths is another option for the Norwegian manager.