Wednesday 9 July 2014 08:44, UK
Celtic skipper Scott Brown is facing up to three months on the sidelines after a scan showed his hamstring 'was almost ripped off' during Sunday's friendly against Rapid Vienna.
The Scotland captain was stretchered off the field after just 60 seconds of the 1-1 draw and scans have confirmed the club's worst fears.
Following the Hoops' 5-2 pre-season friendly win over Lask Linz in Austria, manager Ronny Deila said: "It is not positive news for Scott. He will be out for two months, maybe three.
"That's hard for him and it's hard for us. But we can't do anything about it. We have to try to get him back on the pitch as quick as possible.
"The hamstring has been almost ripped off. Scott doesn't need an operation, which is a positive thing. However, it is quite a big injury."
But Deila is refusing to be rushed into the transfer market for a replacement insisting he has been impressed by the players who have stepped up in Brown's absence as they remain unbeaten during their pre-season tour of Austria.
Beram Kayal and Liam Henderson have shone during their time on the field while defender Charlie Mulgrew is also comfortable in the middle of the park.
"We have good midfielders who can step up while Scott is out," said Deila.
