ERIK SVIATCHENKO is relieved he avoided a ‘serious injury’ after a ‘horrible tackle’ from Scotland midfielder Liam Bridcutt.

The Celtic defender was on the end of a late lunge from Bridcutt during Denmark’s 1-0 defeat at Hampden last night.

Bridcutt was arguably lucky to only receive a yellow card for the strong challenge in the closing stages of a largely tame affair as Matt Ritchie’s early strike earned Scotland a narrow win.

And Sviatchenko is glad he will be able to play for Celtic during a huge few weeks of league and cup action for Ronny Deila’s side.

He said: "I was very lucky. It was a horrible tackle.

"When you see the replay, it is unbelievable that I didn't get a serious injury.

"I said to the referee that he could have broken my leg,

"But in a split second he had to make the decision and he must have felt he touched the ball first.

"I was quite certain that I was first to the ball and I tried to pass it backwards.

"He came through me with all he had, 120 per cent. I feel a bit sore in my knee but I think it is just the shock.

"What happened, happened. I am not going to cry about it. I am just relieved that I will be able to play games for Celtic.

"Thankfully it is not a bad one. I have had my injuries in the past and I don't want to be out again.

"But this is football. It's sometimes rough but you also need to think about not hurting each other.

"I haven't spoken to the Celtic boys but they have seen my legs and they know I am quite strong.”

After falling behind to Ritchie’s seventh minute effort at Hampden, Denmark had a string of chances to pull themselves level and earn a draw from the friendly clash.

Keeper Craig Gordon pulled off a couple of important stops to earn the win for Gordon Strachan’s side.

And Sviatchenko wasn’t surprised to see his Hoops team-mate showcase his talents on the international stage once again.

He said: "It does encourage me when I see Craigy play like that, although I am disappointed we couldn't beat him.

"That's the standard Craig has shown in all the game we have played together and it's the reason we have had lot of clean sheets. Hopefully Craig keeps going like that.”