VICTOR WANYAMA will remain in Scotland instead of travelling to Tanzania via Kenya for a friendly international tomorrow.

The Celtic midfielder was preparing to make the long flight to Africa, where he had been promised a hero's welcome following his outstanding performance in the Hoops' win over Barcelona last week.

However, the 21-year-old has pulled out of the Harambee Stars' match after succumbing to flu.

Wanyama was feeling the effects before Sunday's SPL game against St Johnstone, but managed to play the full 90 minutes as Celtic were held to the draw which means they have taken only two points from the last nine in their defence of the league title.

On medical advice, the Kenyan has pulled out of the away international fixture against Tanzania, which will take place in Mwanza tomorrow night. Head coach of the Kenyan national side, Henri Michel, is disappointed that he will be without his star name, but has no issue with Wanyama or Celtic.

Michel said: "Celtic has given a good excuse that their players have had flu after the Barcelona tie. To maintain good relations with them, we have understood their reason."

Neil Lennon has been in touch with several national team coaches to ask them not to use his players in this week's friendlies if they can avoid it.

With Gary Hooper and James Forrest already rated serious doubts for the Champions League match against Benfica in Lisbon a week tonight, the Parkhead boss faces an anxious wait until all of his international stars return to Glasgow at the end of this week.