Celtic v Milan: Forrest and Stokes boost for Hoops

Neil Lennon expects to welcome back Anthony Stokes, pictured, and James Forrest ahead of Celtic's clash with Milan. Picture: SNS

Forrest is on course to return from a hamstring injury, while Stokes is available after personal issues led to him missing yesterday’s 3-1 win over Aberdeen.

The Celtic manager hailed his side’s never-day-die spirit after they struck twice in stoppage time through Derk Boerrigter and Kris Commons to beat the Dons in the Scottish Premiership.

He said: “Psychologically, today it gives us a massive lift. We won our home game against Ajax and played very well in the San Siro.

“Milan will be different, they have a couple of players back, so all the ingredients are there.”

Boerrigter’s Celtic career has been hampered by an ankle injury he brought with him when he signed from Ajax in the summer, but after scoring his first goal for the Hoops he is hoping to face the Rossoneri.

“I am very delighted now and can’t wait to get more goals,” he said, “but my first priority is to get fit again, to be at the level that I used to play. I am not entirely over my ankle injury, but we are working hard to get there.

“It has been a long time. Before I came here I had the injury and I got a lot of kicks on it here. I got time off to recover and that helped and I am feeling better now.”

AC Milan, meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia de Sciglio for the trip to Glasgow.

Milan discovered this week they will be without defender Cristian Zaccardo and keeper Marco Amelia, who suffered ankle and knee injuries and will miss the game in Scotland.

They had hoped to have both Italian internationals El Shaarawy and De Sciglio back in action for the game against Celtic, as they both returned to training. However, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that both are struggling.

He said: “El Shaarawy is running, but he’s been out for 45 days now. He’s basically starting his training now and he needs time to get fit. Both him and De Sciglio.

“If they’re not available for the match against Celtic, we should have them back for next week against Catania.”