Celtic defender Daniel Majstorovic ruled out over crucial spell

Celtic are set to be without Neil Lennon and Daniel Majstorovic for a lengthy period after the manager was handed a further ban for his fracas with Ally McCoist and the defender was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a fractured toe.

Lennon, who was already banished to the stand for the March 20 Co-operative Insurance Cup final as subject of a four-match ban, was yesterday handed an additional four-match touchline suspension for his altercation with Rangers assistant boss McCoist at the end of the Scottish Cup fifth-round replay win last week.

Majstorovic, right, has joined Lennon in missing next week's Hampden Park final - the sixth Old Firm derby of the season - after he was forced off at half-time of last Saturday's 2-0 win over Hamilton with a broken toe on his right foot.

The Sweden international could be out for the remainder of the season.

A statement on the club's official website, www.celticfc.net, read: "Daniel Majstorovic could be missing for up to eight weeks after picking up an injury in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hamilton.

"Following a specialist consultation, it's been estimated the Swedish international will be out of action for six to eight weeks."

Majstorovic's absence means Celtic's defensive resources will be tested at a pivotal stage of the campaign.

Neil Lennon's side hold a five-point lead over Rangers, with the SPL split approaching and the campaign coming to a close. Celtic are also still in contention in the Scottish Cup and play their quarter-final tie at Inverness on Sunday.