DAVIE HAY: Bust pair of kings will not suit Neil

Now through a combination of suspension and the African Cup of Nations, neither will be available for the game against Hearts and the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final against St Mirren.

I don't blame Celtic for appealing Kelvin's two-game ban for the elbow incident at Dundee. John Baird admitted immediately after it that he did not believe it was intentional.

But while in a court of law such evidence from a 'victim' would carry a lot of sway, clearly when it comes to the SFA's hearings it does not.

The system is not perfect, but it is an improvement on what we had before.

Most importantly, it is quick and tends to be fairer and more consistent than what we had previously.

That's no consolation to Kelvin, and the problem now is not so much that he will have to sit out two games, but that, combined with the winter break, he will be out of action for an entire month.

Efe will at least be playing regularly. Unfortunately for Celtic, it will be for Nigeria.

He said he would withdraw if the club did not want him to go. But it's a major competition so I don't think Celtic could really deny him the chance.

These are the sort of tournaments that can improve players, and increase their value.

At least Neil Lennon has time to think about who he is going to put in their place.

Charlie Mulgrew and Thomas Rogne are obvious candidates, while Rami Gershon could be signed by then, though it would be a tough baptism for him.

I'd be against moving Victor Wanyama back because he would be missed in midfield.

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