Celtic boss Neil Lennon admits he will think twice about looking outside of Europe for players in the future following his dealings with Korea.
Hoops boss fumes at handling of international stars
Celtic boss Neil Lennon admits he will think twice about looking outside of Europe for players in the future following his dealings with South Korea.
The Hoops have questioned the decision to include Ki Sung-yueng in a World Cup qualifying double-header against the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon despite the fact he was suffering with a virus that required a stay in hospital.
They have also been angered by Cha Du-ri's involvement in the Lebanon contest, as he was carrying a hamstring injury.
Both men are doubtful for an SPL clash with Inverness on Saturday and Lennon concedes that recent events have forced him to reconsider his transfer policy.
"It is certainly something to consider, with the amount of travelling these guys do," he said.
"That's three or four international breaks already this season and there has not been one where we have had a full complement of players coming back. Cha was out for six weeks after one of them.
Regulations
"But with FIFA regulations, we are bound to let the players travel.
"Ki wasn't well and we knew that. We had two doctors check him out and we knew he had a virus, although he didn't need a brain scan.
"They have to check them out and see for themselves, despite me having a top class medical team here.
"South Korea wanted him to go there and then travel to the Emirates and then to Lebanon when he clearly wasn't fit to travel let alone play.
"So he was in hospital for a week in Korea, came out and then went back in for a couple of days as he wasn't very feeling well and then flew back here.
"So he has been away for two weeks. For me it is time wasted when he could have been here with us looking after him.
"He did a light session yesterday and he felt okay and we will see how he is today as to whether or not he will be in contention."
Frustrating
Lennon was equally frustrated with another injury to full-back Cha.
"Cha has come back with a tight hamstring," he said.
"He complained after the first game that it was tight and sore.
"I wouldn't say he was forced to play but he was taped up and played 90 minutes against Lebanon on Tuesday night and looks like he is not going to be able to play for us tomorrow.
"So it is very frustrating.
"We do all we can to help these countries but at times I don't think it is reciprocated."
