CELTIC manager Neil Lennon will be without the services of Leigh Griffiths for the first leg of his side's Europa League last-32 tie against FC Copenhagen.

The 29-year-old striker is understood to have picked up a knock in training and has not travelled with the squad to Denmark.

Defensive pair Greg Taylor and Hatem Elhamed have also been left behind after being deemed unfit to play.

Taylor was brought off with an injury against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon, while Elhamed is still recovering from an extended spell on the sidelines.

Despite missing three first-team players, Lennon remains upbeat about his side's chances in the Danish capital on Thursday night.

The Herald:

"It will be a difficult game. They're tactically very smart," the Celtic boss said.

"We're in good form going in to the game. We know we cant take anything for granted.

"The pitch looks fantastic. We've just been out to have a look and I think when the players see it they'll be looking forward to it.

"We've got a good compliment of players with us. But they're a strong team, difficult to beat and they game out of a difficult group.

"We had a brilliant result at the weekend and I think the players will be ready for the experience tomorrow night."