NEIL LENNON last night jetted out to Italy for a spying mission on Champions League opponents AC Milan content to give his players a clean bill of health ahead of Wednesday night's Group H opener.
The Northern Irishman breathed a sigh of relief after his players emerged unscathed from their hard-fought SPFL Premiership 3-1 win at Tynecastle yesterday lunchtime, with Adam Matthews thought likely to recover from the ankle problem which caused him to leave the fray. Injury doubt James Forrest and new signing Nir Biton are also set to fly out with the rest of the squad.
While Teemu Pukki marked his full debut for the club after his £2.4 million move from Schalke 04 with a late goal from the bench, Lennon hinted Anthony Stokes may keep his starting spot after continuing his early season form with another excellent showing at Tynecastle.
"Adam is fine," said Lennon. "He just jarred his ankle and couldn't continue. It's just a twist so we are hoping he will be okay for Wednesday. Biton has not trained with us, but he will travel.
"We will get a look at him on Tuesday and see what kind of condition he is in. I don't think he played any football while he was away with Israel so it might just be too soon.
"Jamesy has his sciatic nerve problem, but we hope he will be available to travel and fit and available, because if we can have him fit and flying that will improve us too."
"Stokes has taken on the challenge of Gary Hooper leaving brilliantly," Lennon added. "Can he go on to be the No 1? … He is in a good place and he is answering all the questions.
"He has not done his chances [of starting on Wednesday night] any harm. He has as good a chance as anybody."
The only man who would be missing from the squad is Steven Mouyokolo, suffering from a long-term achilles tendon injury.
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