SHOLA Ameobi is almost certainly out of Tuesday night’s crunch clash with Charlton Athletic after picking up a groin strain.

The striker limped out of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Hull City in the second half and leaves Neil Lennon short on attacking options for a game his side can ill-afford to lose.

Emile Heskey is currently the only fit front man, although Lennon will check on the availability of Gary Madine, whose absence on Saturday was put down to illness.

Darren Pratley also looks a doubt in midfield after picking up a concussion in the first half at the KC Stadium when team-mate Neil Danns struck him in the back of the head with a quickly-taken free-kick.

Defender Dorian Dervite has a swollen knee and will also be assessed but Lennon believes Tuesday could come too soon for attacking pair Zach Clough and Wellington Silva to be involved.