Lennon rules out Owen capture

Celtic manager Neil Lennon says he will not be signing former Manchester United star Michael Owen.

But Lennon did confirm an interest in Auxerre centre-back Willy Boly and Rosenborg midfielder Markus Henriksen.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side’s Champions League playoff against Helsingborg on Wednesday, the 41-year-old rejected rumours that he wants to sign the veteran forward – but said promising youngsters Boly and Henriksen were definitely on the club’s radar.

The need to strengthen has been made all the more important by the injury crisis the Hoops are currently suffering, with Lennon confirming that four senior players – including captain Scott Brown and first-leg goalscorer Georgios Samaras – are a doubt for the game at Celtic Park.

“We still have a few nagging doubts regarding the boys we left out at the weekend so we will see how they are tomorrow,” he said.

“Thomas (Rogne) has an ankle problem, Kris (Commons) has an ongoing ankle problem and Scott (is a doubt) with a sore groin.

“Some might not be fit to play, some might, so we will just have to gauge that tomorrow.

“But apart from that, we came through the game at the weekend injury-free so we will have a decent-sized squad to pick from.”