It has been revealed that 12 regular first team players have been ruled out of the game which takes place in only 3 days time, but Brian McLennan is still confident that Leeds can get a result out of the game, even if the majority of the squad is the reserve grade. Bluey doesn't think it will be a walk over though as he rates Celtic as one of the best rugby league sides outside the Super League.

Clinton Toopi (shoulder), Danny McGuire (quad), Jamie Jones-Buchanan (shoulder), Ali Lauitiiti (knee), Simon Worrall (shoulder) and Ashley Gibson (hamstring) and Ian Kirke (hamstring) all missed the round 11 win over the Warrington Wolves, and all will have no inclusion in the Challenge Cup tie.

But those aren't the only injuries, Gareth Ellis (ankle), Ryan Bailey (knee), Nick Scruton (shoulder/stinger), Carl Ablett (hamstring) and Matt Diskin (foot) all picked up knocks in that hard fought victory last Friday.

There is a positive side to this in that it gives the oppurtunity to some of the stars of the reserve grade, who are full of confidence following a great string of results including a 66-0 thrashing of Wire last week. Danny Allan, Ben Jones-Bishop, Paul McShane and Kallum Watkins are also available for selection by head coach McLennan after they became full time and started training with the first teamers earlier this year. If there is a chance of anybody returning for the Crusaders match it is expected to be Danny McGuire.

There is also some doubt in whether certain players will be able to take part in the Super League game against Hull KR at Cravern Park but hopefully a large amount will return for the derby against the Bradford Bulls at the Millennium Magic weekend at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.