Neil Lennon has named the Celtic squad for the Europa League knockout phase, with one star left out in what might be the final nail in the coffin for him at Parkhead.
Celtic have been absolutely spectacular in the Europa League this season. When they were knocked out of the Champions League qualification phase by CFR Cluj, nobody could have foreseen the incredible run that they would go on in Europe since then.
Drawn in a tough group with Lazio, Rennes and CFR Cluj (who had been knocked out from the Champions League qualification phase themselves in the last round). Especially impressive are their wins against Lazio both home and away, as the Italian side are currently challenging for the Serie A title along with the likes of Juventus and Inter Milan.
In fact, Neil Lennon’s side went undefeated through the group stage before naming a second-string side in the final game against CFR Cluj after qualification to the knockout phase had already been secured.
Now the club will take on FC Copenhagen in the last 32 of the competition and have named their squad for the knockout phase. The list was published by UEFA, with one notable absentee:
Fraser Forster
Craig Gordon
Scott Bain
Ryan Mullen
Christopher Jullien
Kristoffer Ajer
Jozo Simunovic
Greg Taylor
Boli Bolingoli
Hatem Abd Elhamed
Moritz Bauer
Jeremie Frimpong
Danie Church
Kerr McInroy
Stephen Welsh
Nir Bitton
Scott Brown
Ismaila Soro
Tom Rogic
Olivier Ntcham
Callum McGregor
James Forrest
Barry Coffey
Scott Robertson
Paul Kennedy
Ewan Henderson
Ryan Christie
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Mikey Johnston
Karamoko Dembele
Jonny Hayes
Calvin Miller
Kieran McGrath
Odsonne Edouard
Leigh Griffiths
Vakoun Issouf Bayo
Patryk Klimala
This is a huge blow for Marian Shved. The talented winger sealed a move to Parkhead earlier in the summer after scoring 23 times for Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv over two seasons.
It has not gone to plan since then for the 22-year-old, who has already made his senior debut for the Ukraine national team. He has made just 2 appearances since joining the Hoops after failing to adjust the Scottish football. And this omission might be the final nail in the coffin of his Celtic career.