CELTIC captain Scott Brown has been ruled out for up to “eight to 12 weeks” due to a knee injury. The midfielder aggravated it during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock and will likely not play again until next year although manager Ronny Deila hoped the player could avoid the need for an operation.

“We are not sure yet but hopefully that is not necessary,” said the Norwegian. “He had a scan on Monday.”

Deila revealed the news at a press conference to preview tomorrow night’s Europa League tie against Ajax. Celtic will also be without Kris Commons through injury, and Stefan Johansen and Nir Bitton through suspension, although Charlie Mulgrew could return after two months on the sidelines.