Thursday 26 November 2015 07:23, UK
Leigh Griffiths is confident Celtic can overcome their midfield crisis against Ajax in their crunch Europa League clash at Parkhead on Thursday.
Manager Ronny Deila revealed earlier in the week that captain Scott Brown could be out for up to three months with a knee injury picked up against Kilmarnock.
Kris Commons is also still likely to be out with a combination of a hamstring injury and illness, while fellow midfielders Nir Bitton and Stefan Johansen are suspended.
Charlie Mulgrew, who can play in midfield or defence, is back in contention after recovering from a thigh injury but he has not played since September.
"It's a big blow for us - they are big game players, but it gives an opportunity for someone else to come in and stake a claim for a place," Griffiths said. "It's going to be difficult for them but they wouldn't be at Celtic if they weren't good players.
"The manager threw Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong straight in against Inter Milan last season and you saw the job they done. But no matter who plays they are going to have to put in a performance."
After back-to-back defeats by surprise Norwegian outfit Molde, the Scottish champions are bottom of Group A with two points from four matches, one point ahead of the Dutch side.
Molde have qualified with 10 points and play Fenerbahce, who are second with five points.
While a draw for either side at Parkhead would not necessarily end hopes of qualifying for the group stages - unless the Turkish side win against Molde - victories against Ajax and Fenerbahce in their final two group games will definitely take Celtic through.
"The last two games were disappointing against Molde but we've got a chance to rectify that," Griffiths said. "It's still in our own hands.
"If we don't perform then we aren't going to go through but if we give ourselves a good chance of getting three points then we go to Fenerbahce for the last game with a lot of confidence.
"If Ajax win they are in a good position to go through so ultimately it's going to be a very tough game for us. They'll be coming here to attack us but we've got players going the other way that can hurt them."
