By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: <a href= http://bit.ly/lsiOza' class='instorylink'>@skysportspeteo</a>
Thursday 15 September 2011 09:50, UK
Image:Brown: 80 per cent chance of making first Old Firm derby of the season
Celtic boss Neil Lennon is hopeful Scott Brown will be fit for this weekend's Old Firm clash with Rangers.
Bhoys boss prioritises Rangers clash
Celtic boss Neil Lennon is hopeful Scott Brown will be fit for this weekend's Old Firm clash with Rangers.
Brown has been left out of the Celtic squad for Thursday's Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid as he struggles with an ongoing ankle problem.
Lennon is keen to have his skipper available for the first Old Firm game of the season and he has defended his decision to leave out Brown from his party for the trip to Madrid.
"Brown has an ongoing ankle problem," said Lennon. "If he has any chance of playing on Sunday, then it is just as well to leave him at home.
80 per cent
"I think he has a good chance of playing against Rangers, maybe 80 per cent. A fit Scott Brown would very important for us, especially in a fixture as physical and high tempo as an Old Firm game."
Anthony Stokes has also been left out of the game against Atletico Madrid after picking up a thigh problem and Lennon admits the striker is doubtful for Sunday's trip to Ibrox.
"Stokes picked up a thigh injury over the last couple of days. He wouldn't have been fit for this game and he is doubtful for Sunday," added Lennon.
