Celtic lose Pressley services

Scotland defender Stephen Pressley is likely to miss the majority of Celtic FC's UEFA Champions League group stage campaign after being ruled out for up to eight weeks following back surgery.

Shakhtar test
It is a blow for the Glasgow outfit who get Group D under way on Tuesday at FC Shakhtar Donetsk, before further tests against the holders AC Milan and SL Benfica. The 33-year-old centre-back, who helped Celtic to the Scottish double after joining from Heart of Midlothian FC in January, has yet to feature this season due to injury and finally decided to have the operation that he had been delaying.

Smooth operation
"This is something I have needed done for a wee while and it is great to just get it done and out of the way now," said Pressley. "The doctors and myself are very pleased with how the operation has gone and I am looking forward to getting back to full fitness as soon as possible." Pressley should be fit to make his European return when Shakhtar arrive at Celtic Park on 28 November.