Scottish League: Martin O'Neill's worst fears were realised yesterday when Jackie McNamara was ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League game against Lyon.

The good news that the versatile Scotland international had not suffered a dislocated shoulder was quickly tempered by fears that he had still sustained significant ligament damage. He was rushed to hospital after colliding with Fernando Pasquinelli in the latter stages of the 2-0 win over Livingston on Saturday.

An X-ray has since revealed he has not broken anything but it would appear there is significant ligament damage.

An MRI scan will give a more detailed prognosis today but as far as Wednesday is concerned, McNamara will not be able to help his team-mates secure the point needed for the knock-out stages.

McNamara has joined the suspended Alan Thompson and the injured Didier Agathe on the sidelines and faces a long lay-off.

Bobo Balde also sustained a back problem against Livingston and O'Neill has revealed that the defender will be monitored closely with the hope he will be fit enough to take his place against the French champions.

Second-half goals from Chris Sutton and Thompson at Almondvale ensured that Celtic maintained their five-point lead over Rangers, who struggled to beat Dundee 2-1 at Ibrox.

Nuno Capucho and Peter Lovenkrands gave the home side a comfortable half-time lead but Billy Dodds' goal just before the hour mark ensured a nail-biting climax for the home side.