Lennon makes do and mends after Bangura blow

(Reuters)

Neil Lennon has revealed striker Mohamed Bangura could require surgery on his knee as the Celtic manager ponders selection problems ahead of the Scottish Communities League Cup quarter-final tie with Hibernian at Easter Road tonight.

Further injuries suffered by Glenn Loovens and Charlie Mulgrew in Sunday's 2-1 win over Aberdeen have added to Lennon's defensive problems.

Bangura missed the match at Celtic Park, where Loovens came off with a hamstring injury and stand-in captain Mulgrew, who scored the winner, picked up an ankle knock which leaves him a doubt for the trip to Leith. The Parkhead manager is still without several long-term absentees, including Kelvin Wilson, Emilio Izaguirre and Scott Brown, but he insists he will still be able to field a strong side against Hibs.

"Bangura is going to see a specialist tomorrow and after that he we will know whether or not he requires surgery on his knee problem," said Lennon. "We are hoping Glenn Loovens will be a week to 10 days, and from Sunday Charlie Mulgrew is pretty doubtful as well with an ankle problem.

"[Georgios] Samaras is still struggling with bone bruising on his ankle and Kris [Commons] has a calf strain. Thomas Rogne played an hour yesterday in a bounce game [friendly] against Rangers and is definitely in contention, and Victor Wanyama can play at the back."

Lennon added: "[Daniel] Majstorovic is fit and Mark Wilson has played centre-back before so we have decent cover at the back."