Lomas unsure over absentees

St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas is still unsure how many players will miss Saturday's SPL clash with Celtic at McDiarmid Park.

The Northern Irishman had to cancel the training session at Stirling University on Thursday after seven players were struck down with a bug.

Sitting bottom of the SPL with two points from five games, the Perth club do not have their worries to seek as they welcome the champions.

Lomas, while reluctant to say how many, if any, had recovered today, is hoping he will have the majority of his squad available.

"What we hope for is that we get no more players taken down tonight," he said.

"Nobody is ruled out yet but we just have to wait and see tomorrow.

"But fingers crossed that there are no more."

Lomas tried to put a brave face on things but is aware of the strength in depth Hoops boss Neil Lennon has at his disposal.

"It is a great game in prospect and I am looking forward to it," said the former West Ham and Manchester City midfielder.

"They could probably put out three teams that could compete in the SPL, it is as simple as that but the boys will also be looking forward to it.

"You are there to play against the bigger teams and with Rangers out of the league, Celtic are the big scalp.

"We know it is going to be difficult, against whatever team Celtic put out but if you can't relish these games you are not in the right profession.

"They are a good team but we were very competitive against them last season.

"Apart from some misfortune and poor decisions against us, we probably would have got a few more results but the top teams can win when they don't play well and that is a very good thing to have.

"But we have to look at ourselves. I am a big believer that the performance normally takes care of the result.

"That could probably come back to haunt me but I would be a lot more worried if we were not creating chances.

"It's about taking your chances although I suppose it helps if Celtic have an off-day."