Team News: Giorgios Samaras out for Celtic

Celtic forward Giorgios Samaras is left out of the side to face Motherwell after failing to recover from a hamstring strain in time for the match.

New signing Stefan Johansen, who joined the Hoops from Norwegian club Stromsgodset on Wednesday, does not feature.

Adam Matthews is also missing for Neil Lennon's team after failing to shake off a calf injury.

Motherwell arrive at Celtic Park without goalkeeper Lee Hollis and defender Simon Ramsden, both of whom face lengthy spells on the sidelines having undergone surgery this week.

Celtic start the game with a 10-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table over second-placed Aberdeen, with Motherwell a further point behind in third.

Celtic: Forster; Fisher, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izaguirre; Forrest, Brown, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons; Stokes

Motherwell: Nielsen; Hammell, Hutchinson, McManus, McFadden; Sutton, Vigurs, Lasley, Francis-Angol; Carswell, Ainsworth