MOI ELYOUNOUSSI has described his relief at being given the blessing of Celtic manager Neil Lennon to meet up with Norway next week, despite his concerns over his players being exposed to a higher risk of contracting Coronavirus.

Lennon was left reeling after the last international fixtures when he was left without four of his key players for the Rangers, AC Milan and Aberdeen matches which followed.

Elyounoussi has moved though to reassure his manager that both he and club teammate Kristoffer Ajer will be in the safest hands possible, given the circumstances, when they join the Norwegian squad next week for matches against Israel, Romania and Austria.

“I am very proud to play for my country and I am happy to hear that from the manager,” Elyounoussi said.

“These are strange times for everyone and it’s always a risk when you are travelling abroad.

“But when we are away with the national team everyone around us does their best to make sure we are all safe and there are protocols in place.

“I’m pleased by that because it’s always a privilege to represent your country.

“I’m in good hands with Norway and I’m sure that the other countries will be doing things as well as Norway.

“I feel safe everytime I go on international duty with Norway.”

Despite his relief at being allowed to join up with his compatriots, Elyounoussi is desperately hoping that Celtic’s players return to Glasgow in good health to avoid disrupting the momentum they have regained in their last few fixtures.

“Things like that can happen, but we have a strong and big squad and we can replace people with others who will give 100 per cent,” he said.

“It’s out of our hands. For the next international break we have guidance and so far everything has been okay.

“Yes, we have been unlucky with some of our players. We should be alright for the next set of internationals.

“Hopefully nobody will get affected by Covid-19 next time.”