Lennon, who was already banished to the stand for the March 20 Co-operative Insurance Cup final as subject of a four-match ban, was yesterday handed an additional four-match touchline suspension for his altercation with Rangers assistant boss McCoist at the end of the Scottish Cup fifth-round replay win last week.

Majstorovic has joined Lennon in missing next week's Hampden Park final - the sixth Old Firm derby of the season - after he was forced off at half-time of last Saturday's 2-0 win over Hamilton with a broken toe on his right foot.

The Sweden international could be out for the remainder of the season.

A statement on the club's official website, www.celticfc.net, read: "Daniel Majstorovic could be missing for up to eight weeks after picking up an injury in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hamilton.

"The big defender was forced to come off at half-time and was replaced by Thomas Rogne. After the match, it was discovered that he had suffered a fractured right toe.

"And following a specialist consultation, it's been estimated the Swedish international will be out of action for six to eight weeks."

Majstorovic's absence means Celtic's defensive resources will be tested at a pivotal stage of the campaign.

Neil Lennon's side hold a five-point lead over Rangers, who have two games in-hand, with the SPL split approaching and the campaign coming to a close.

Celtic are also still in contention in the Scottish Cup and play their quarter-final tie at Inverness on Sunday.

Georgios Samaras paid tribute to Lennon for Celtic being in contention in three competitions at this vital stage of the season.

The Greece international forward told Channel 67's Huddle Online: "The manager has put his stamp on the team and we are working really hard to be successful.

"We will do anything to be the winners in the end, it's all there for us.

"I think over the recent months we've been excellent and we're now looking forward to the next couple of matches which are really important.

"Inverness are a good team, but I think we have the quality and the character to go there and win the game."