Celtic boss Neil Lennon has explained Boli Bolingoli's absence from the squad insisting the defender is not carrying an injury.

The left-back has not featured since his disappointing display in Celtic's defeat against Rangers before the winter break.

Bolingoli suffered a slow start to his Hoops career, but enjoyed a good run of form in November, before another below par run of performances in December, including the derby defeat.

Jonny Hayes and Greg Taylor have come into the side since the New Year with Taylor putting in an excellent display against St Johnstone on Wednesday night.

(Image: Getty Images)

And when Lennon was asked if there was an update on Bolingoli or if he was injured, he said bluntly: "No he's just not in the squad at the minute.

"You know, he's just having a bit of time out to get his top form back."

Lennon singled out former Kilmarnock man Taylor for his excellent performance against the Saints.

Show Player

He added: "That was his best performance for me. He can be delighted with it.

“We were working on him a little bit on Tuesday, and he put three or four superb crosses in, which I hadn’t seen before.

Show more

“We worked with him on that. He’s a willing learner and I thought his all-round game was very good.

“There were some outstanding individual performances but I couldn’t speak highly enough about the team as a whole.”

(Image: SNS Group)

Lennon dismissed reports Olivier Ntcham and Craig Gordon might depart this month and confirmed that Gillingham had failed in a bid to sign Karamoko Dembele on loan.

Lennon said: "They made an enquiry about it and it was turned down.

"I think this is the best place for him. We know of his capabilities, we know of his talent. We are very excited about him but he is just going to turn 17 soon.

"We have to protect him and we have a duty of care with him in terms of his development but we want it here."

Luca Connell could go on loan with Barnsley and Sunderland reported to be interested in the 18-year-old, who is yet to make a first-team appearance since joining Celtic from Bolton.

Lennon added: "It might be good for him to get out and get some game time.

"He had a thigh injury which kept him out for a couple of months and now he is playing very well in the development team."