Injury Nightmare For Celtic

Jan 20 2008 By Mark Guidi

Jan Venegoor of Hesselink

GORDON STRACHAN was dealt a double injury blow yesterday as Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Andreas Hinkel were crocked against Killie.

New s1.8million right-back Hinkel limped off with a thigh injury while the Dutch striker had to go off after a sickening clash of heads with Killie defender Simon Ford.

But Strachan hopes both will be fit for next Sunday's trip to Falkirk.

The manager said: "Hinkel has a thigh strain. He also had a virus this week but credit to him for wanting to play. Jan's is a bad one and there was no way he could have played on.

"He burst a blood vessel and needed five stitches. Again, we will see how he is this week."

Strachan was pleased with his side as they closed the gap on league leaders Rangers to just a point thanks to Martyn Corrigan's own goal.

He said: "We played well and created possibly as many chances as we have all season although the own goal was fortunate.

"The win keeps us up there and a clean sheet was pleasing. Artur Boruc could have sat beside me."

Killie manager Jim Jefferies praised keeper Alan Combe and said: "I don't know why he is not in the Scotland squad. Well I do know but I'll keep it to myself.

"The own goal was also harsh on Martyn as he was excellent."