Neil Lennon admits his bid to prevent Mo Bangura lining up against Celtic for Elfsborg in tonight’s Champions League third qualifier at Parkhead has almost certainly been in vain.

The Hoops manager has been strident in his position that the on-loan Hoops striker would be best served not playing against his parent club. However, the 24-year-old striker arrived in Glasgow for the first leg, with the Swedish club’s boss Jorgen Lennartsson reiterating that he will play if required.

“I am not going to make a big song and dance about it but the reality of it is, there is a big possibility that Mo could play,” he said.

“If he plays, he plays and we are preparing for it as if he is playing.

“You would probably need to ask him how he is feeling more than me.

“We made our feelings pretty clear over the last week or so but we have to respect Elfsborg’s decision.

“There is a good relationship bet-ween the clubs, I just think it puts Mo in a very difficult position.”