Celtic: Transfers/Rumours/News

[Lance Knight]

Lennon wants new Celtic deal


GLASGOW, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon is hopeful of signing a new contract early next year and see out his playing days with the Scottish champions.
The former Northern Ireland international's current deal runs out in May.


'Ideally, it would be great (to stay here), but there are no guarantees that that is going to happen, it all depends on how the talks go and what's on offer and we will take it from there,' Lennon said on Wednesday.

'I have been up here for four years now and I am quite settled. I'm just looking for a bit of security really going into my last year or two of my career.

'I will be 34 in June and if I get another year then I will be 35 and maybe think about hanging them (my boots) up after that, but I'm not sure.'

[Lance Knight]

Juninho's agent issues Celtic warning


Juninho's agent has warned that the Brazilian could reconsider his future at Celtic unless he is given a run of games in the new year.
The World Cup winner was snapped up by Martin O'Neill from Middlesbrough in the summer and there were high expectations of him.


The signs initially looked good when he impressed in the first Old Firm game of the season.

But the last eight games have seen Juninho lose his place to Hoops starlet Aiden McGeady.

Agent Brian Hassell told the Scottish Sun: 'If the manager is not going to pick him, that's a different ball game. That's something we'd have to look at.

'Juninho deserves respect. He is not a little kid.

'He has 50 caps for Brazil and he's the best signing Celtic ever made.

'He wants to play for Martin O`Neill but does Martin O'Neill want to play him?

'Juninho is not someone who has come through the Celtic ranks. He deserves much more respect.'

[Lance Knight]

Hughes interested in Hartson deal


Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has admitted that John Hartson is a player he would like to bring to Ewood Park.
The Celtic striker is out of contract at the end of the season, although his agent Jonathan Barnett has hinted that the Scottish Premier League top scorer is close to agreeing new terms.


If Blackburn are to succeed in landing the 29-year-old, who played under Hughes for Wales, then their hopes would appear to hinge on the talks between Celtic and the striker stalling.

Rovers have struggled for goals in the Barclays Premiership this season, with the likes of Jon Stead, Jay Bothroyd, Paul Gallagher and Matt Jansen yet to impress.

Although Rovers have improved under Hughes, who took over from Graeme Souness in September, they have still only won one of their last eight matches, drawing six and losing the other.

Hartson, who has scored 15 goals in the SPL, has considerable experience of the English top-flight from his time at Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon and Coventry.

Hughes said in the Daily Express: 'We are looking to strengthen in the striker area if the right player becomes available.

'John is somebody I know and one of a number of players we have discussed.

'But it is a little bit early to know if anything will come of it.'

[Jesus]

Juninho, the best signing Celtic ever made??

What a joke that is. I hope the Hoops dump this clown to whomever will be willing to take him.

And if Hartson wants to actually win anything he won't be going to Blackburn. They might not even be in the Premiership next season. Regardless I hope he stays with Celtic.

[Lance Knight]

yea i hope he stays to because i seriosly dont like maloney's playing style
hartson and stutton make a betteer partnership

[Lance Knight]

Petrov linked with Goodison move


Stilian Petrov's agent has hinted that the Bulgarian could move on at the end of the season.
The midfielder is one of the lynchpins of Martin O'Neill's Hoops side, which is on course for another joust at the Champions League next season.


Everton had been strongly rumoured to be interested in making a bid this month, with manager Davie Moyes having taken in Celtic's 2-1 Tennent's Scottish Cup victory over Rangers on Sunday.

Petrov's agent Latchezar Tanev made it clear that no move to Merseyside was imminent and that 25-year-old was happy at Parkhead.

But he tantalisingly predicted that those circumstances could change in a few months' time.

He told Everton's official webside: 'I have no information from Celtic or any contact from Everton regarding Stilian.

'He is happy at Celtic and he is playing at a high level. I don't think there is anything at the moment, but that could change in the summer.

'If he was to change club it would take a good offer as he has a good contract until June 2007.

'There has always been interest in Stilian as he is playing well for Celtic and Bulgaria.'

The midfielder is the captain of his national side and so famous a figure back home that his wedding was broadcast on television.

[Lance Knight]

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Celtic 2-0 Motherwell: FT Report


Bank of Scotland Premier League champions Celtic increased their lead over Rangers to six points by comfortably defeating Terry Butcher's young Motherwell side 2-0 at Parkhead.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has admitted his squad is weaker than that of Rangers manager Alex McLeish, but two of his most influential men - Stilian Petrov and Chris Sutton - again delivered the goods with goals in either half.

O'Neill brought back Alan Thompson and Stanislav Varga at the expense of frustrated Brazilian Juninho and youngster Stephen McManus.

The home side never really got warmed up on a bitterly cold day in Glasgow, but they put their opponents under pressure in the fifth minute.

Sutton flicked on Jackie McNamara's cross and Aiden McGeady pounced inside the box to get a shot away, but David Partridge saved his side with an important deflection wide.

Motherwell midfielder Kevin McBride returned to Parkhead for the first time since making his loan move move permanent.

The youngster looked eager to impress and he picked out Scott McDonald in acres of space in the 11th minute, but he drove his right-foot shot just wide from 20 yards.

It took 21 minutes for the home side to test former Celtic goalkeeper Gordon Marshall, but he veteran was equal to their best effort.

John Hartson flicked the ball on and the ball broke kindly off Stephen Craigan into the path of Sutton, whose powerful shot from eight yards was pushed away.

McGeady showed why he had relegated Juninho back to the bench with a bit of trickery to get away from Steven Hammell, but his cross-cum-shot was saved by Marshall.

However, the champions took the lead with by their best move of the match in the 32nd minute.

Hartson played the ball up to Sutton and his first time pass sent Petrov away through the middle. The Bulgarian cut inside and even though Marshall got a hand to his strike, he could not prevent the ball from finishing in the back of the net.

The home supporters were screaming for a penalty soon after when McGeady's cross struck Partridge but referee Ian Fyfe waved the appeals away.

Celtic were far from their best, but still looked the more likely side to score at the start of the second half.

Motherwell did not offer much in attack and it was careless play in midfield by McDonald which was exploited by the champions in the 57th minute.

Sutton timed his run perfectly and Thompson played him through to coolly steer the ball around Marshall and into the bottom corner of the net.

Hartson came within inches of extending Celtic's lead with Marshall touching his effort just past the upright in the 73rd minute.

O'Neill introduced frustrated duo Juninho and Henri Camara late on, but his last two signings failed to supply any inspiration, highlighting the need for some new faces at Parkhead.

[Lance Knight]

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Celtic 2-0 Motherwell: FT Report
PA

Bank of Scotland Premier League champions Celtic increased their lead over Rangers to six points by comfortably defeating Terry Butcher's young Motherwell side 2-0 at Parkhead.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has admitted his squad is weaker than that of Rangers manager Alex McLeish, but two of his most influential men - Stilian Petrov and Chris Sutton - again delivered the goods with goals in either half.

O'Neill brought back Alan Thompson and Stanislav Varga at the expense of frustrated Brazilian Juninho and youngster Stephen McManus.

The home side never really got warmed up on a bitterly cold day in Glasgow, but they put their opponents under pressure in the fifth minute.

Sutton flicked on Jackie McNamara's cross and Aiden McGeady pounced inside the box to get a shot away, but David Partridge saved his side with an important deflection wide.

Motherwell midfielder Kevin McBride returned to Parkhead for the first time since making his loan move move permanent.

The youngster looked eager to impress and he picked out Scott McDonald in acres of space in the 11th minute, but he drove his right-foot shot just wide from 20 yards.

It took 21 minutes for the home side to test former Celtic goalkeeper Gordon Marshall, but he veteran was equal to their best effort.

John Hartson flicked the ball on and the ball broke kindly off Stephen Craigan into the path of Sutton, whose powerful shot from eight yards was pushed away.

McGeady showed why he had relegated Juninho back to the bench with a bit of trickery to get away from Steven Hammell, but his cross-cum-shot was saved by Marshall.

However, the champions took the lead with by their best move of the match in the 32nd minute.

Hartson played the ball up to Sutton and his first time pass sent Petrov away through the middle. The Bulgarian cut inside and even though Marshall got a hand to his strike, he could not prevent the ball from finishing in the back of the net.

The home supporters were screaming for a penalty soon after when McGeady's cross struck Partridge but referee Ian Fyfe waved the appeals away.

Celtic were far from their best, but still looked the more likely side to score at the start of the second half.

Motherwell did not offer much in attack and it was careless play in midfield by McDonald which was exploited by the champions in the 57th minute.

Sutton timed his run perfectly and Thompson played him through to coolly steer the ball around Marshall and into the bottom corner of the net.

Hartson came within inches of extending Celtic's lead with Marshall touching his effort just past the upright in the 73rd minute.

O'Neill introduced frustrated duo Juninho and Henri Camara late on, but his last two signings failed to supply any inspiration, highlighting the need for some new faces at Parkhead.

[Lance Knight]

Rangers win to keep pressure on Celtic


GLASGOW, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Rangers cut Celtic's lead to three points with a gritty 2-1 victory at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday.
Dado Prso gave Rangers the lead in the ninth minute with an angled shot after charging into the box and they grabbed another soon afterwards when Fernando Ricksen's inswinging corner ended up in the back of the net off goalkeeper Ryan Esson.


Fourth-placed Aberdeen replied quickly with Darren Mackie's close-range effort, their first League goal in 432 minutes, but Rangers held out and even missed a glaring chance near the end as Hamed Namouchi raced clear only to shoot wide.

Celtic, who beat Motherwell 2-0 on Saturday, still top the table on 59 points with Rangers on 56 followed by Hibernian on 43.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish said his side could have won by more goals.

'We had a wonderful start to the game and could have been three or four up before Aberdeen had a sniff,' he told BBC Radio Scotland.

'It's a great win. I felt we should have won by more but it is always a tough game. A couple of penalty decisions didn't go our way.'

Asked about an incident where Aberdeen's Russell Anderson appeared to pull back striker Nacho Novo, McLeish said: 'The referee, Dougie McDonald, must see that, he's the man in the middle, but it's a hard job for him.'

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood said: 'We gave two soft goals away. Their goal from the corner was a joke...it was a bad mistake from the keeper.

'We are seven points behind Hibs, but we can take a lot of heart from the game.'

[Lance Knight]

Celtic still interested in Henchoz


Celtic have been told to act fast if they want to snap up Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz before the transfer window closes.

The Hoops have expressed an interest in the Swiss player, who was previously a target for Rangers.

With a question mark hanging over the future of Bobo Balde at Parkhead, the 30-year-old Henchoz would be a viable alternative.

Henchoz's agent, Jorg Vonmatt, insists the player wants his future resolved as quickly as possible.

Vonmatt told the Daily Record: 'Celtic are one of the teams interested, but we are still waiting for their proposal.

'If they are really serious, they need to move quickly as there are other clubs that we have held discussions with in much more detail.

'Celtic need to move as quickly as possible. The window closes next week so we can't afford to wait a long time before making a decision.

'Stephane wants to get his future sorted out by the start of the week.'

[Lance Knight]

McGrain keen for Balde to stay a Bhoy


Celtic legend Danny McGrain has urged the club to pull out all the stops to hold onto Bobo Balde.

A question mark hangs over the defender's future as he continues to stall on signing a new deal with the Parkhead side.

Balde has impressed since arriving in the east end of Glasgow in 2001 and manager Martin O'Neill is keen to hold onto the player.

But a number of Barclays Premiership sides are understood to be considering a move for the Guinea international.

Middlesbrough, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham have all been linked with the no-nonsense defender and fans are worried that he will quit Celtic in favour of football south of the border.

McGrain - who works as a coach at Celtic - insists Balde did not look like a player set to make a quick getaway as he was put through his paces at training this morning.

But he admits his departure would be hard to stomach if he did decide to leave.

He said: 'Bobo has been an important player in our defence.

'He has been terrific since he signed for us and he would be badly missed.

'Bobo trained very hard this morning and he was one of the better players in training and he played today like he was staying here.

'A player of Bobo's ability, strength, keenness and his power in the air would be badly missed by anybody.'

While there has been a flurry of transfer activity across the city at Rangers, O'Neill has yet to add any new faces this month.

But McGrain has faith in the Hoops boss to ensure Celtic are strong enough for the remainder of the campaign even if that means O'Neill is forced to find a quick replacement for Balde.

He added: 'Martin has a great track record of signing players and he also has good young players in the background.

'He has Stephen McManus and John Kennedy will hopefully be back next year who could fill that gap.

'I'm sure Martin has a few other irons in the fire as well.

'I hope Bobo Balde stays but if he goes then I hope there is someone who can come in to replace him.

'It's all hope. I hope Bobo doesn't go and I hope Martin gets the good players that we need.'

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has reignited the debate over whether the Old Firm should be allowed to play in the Premiership and McGrain is well aware that such a move would provide a welcome boost to the transfer kitty.

But he reckons Celtic and Rangers have little chance of being welcomed with open arms by their English counterparts.

He said: 'It would be great for us to play in England but if you want to go to a party you have to be asked first.

'That's the problem and I can't see that happening. I can't see England inviting us.'

[Lance Knight]

Friday, January 28, 2005

Henchoz joins Celtic


Celtic have completed the signing of Stephane Henchoz on a short-term contract.
The Swiss defender joins from Liverpool until the end of the season.


Henchoz, 30, played a major role in helping Liverpool claim their cup treble in 2001, but he has not won favour from new boss Rafael Benitez.

Henchoz, who cost Liverpool £3.5million when he joined from Blackburn in 1999, had been interesting Celtic's Old Firm rivals Rangers, as well as a number of English clubs, including Bolton.

But Martin O'Neill was determined to land the experienced international, who initially had expressed a preference for staying in England.

Henchoz's new team-mate Bobo Balde has been linked with moves to Everton and Middlesbrough, and although there seem unlikely to be developments on that front until the summer, in the meantime Celtic will be strong in the centre-back department.

A statement on www.celticfc.co.uk tonight said: ``Stephane Henchoz, the former Liverpool centre-back, has ended speculation regarding his immediate future by joining up for Celtic's assault on the SPL title.

``Henchoz, who had reportedly turned down a move to Alex McLeish's Rangers recently, decided on the move north anyway, but to the east, and not west-end of the city.

``The deal ties up Henchoz until the end of the season.''

It ends Henchoz's association with Liverpool, where he and Sami Hyypia forged a largely successful defensive partnership.

As well as winning the FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001, Henchoz also picked up a League Cup winners' medal in that same season and 2003.

[Lance Knight]

Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Hartson to calm Bellamy down


Celtic striker John Hartson has warned Craig Bellamy he will need to change his ways if he is to survive life in Glasgow.
Hartson was thrilled to see his fellow Wales international join Celtic on loan until the end of the season and he believes Old Firm rivals Rangers should be quaking at the news.


But the Hoops hitman has also been quick to take on the role of minder for Bellamy to ensure he copes with the switch north of the border.

Hartson said: 'Craig has to be careful where he eats, drinks and mixes.

'I've been here four years now and you simply cannot afford to go around like he does and says the things he does.

'I'll be having a word.

'Craig is not an 18 or 19-year-old anymore. He's 25 and needs to take stock of things.

'He is a great footballer with undoubted talent and, if I was a Rangers fan, I would be worried.'

[Lance Knight]

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Bellamy forced to wait for his debut


Craig Bellamy's hopes of making his Celtic debut have again been put on hold after their Bank of Scotland Premier League clash at Inverness Caledonian Thistle was called off this morning.
The tricky long-distance trip to the Highlands fell victim to the overnight snow showers at 8.30am.


Bellamy was forced to miss last week's Tenant's Scottish Cup victory at Dunfermline over fears the controversial plastic pitch could trigger his past injury problems.

Rangers yesterday moved alongside Celtic at the top of the table with their victory over Hibernian but Celtic still have one match in hand.

[Lance Knight]

Sunday, February 13, 2005
Surgery sidelines Agathe for six weeks


Celtic wing-back Didier Agathe has been ruled out until the end of March with a persistent groin injury.
The 29-year-old has played just once for the Hoops since November 28 and has undergone surgery on the problem.


Parkhead boss Martin O'Neill said: 'Didier has had surgery and will be out until the end of March at the earliest.

'The groin problem returned after the Rangers game and he decided it was best to go under the knife.'

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon has opened negotiations on a new deal at the club.

Lennon told the Sunday Herald: 'There was no way I was going to leave during the January transfer window, but now we will sit down in the short-term future and discuss what I'm going to do.

'The club have made it clear they want me to stay.'

He added: 'Playing abroad does appeal, but whether a club would be interested or not is another thing.

'England is another area I would want to look into. But, from a football point of view, I am really happy where I am.

'It would be hard to give all this up and that's something I have to think about.'

[Lance Knight]

Sunday, April 3, 2005

Celtic vow to sign loan star Bellamy


Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has promised to do everything in his power to sign Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy permanently.
The champions will have to splash out around £5million to secure the on-loan Magpies star but Martin O'Neill has been told the board will do their utmost to raise it.


Lawwell said: 'We can't give absolute promises but we will do everything we possibly can to keep Bellamy.

'The biggest assumption though is that the player wants to stay.

'Craig has been a huge success and everyone at Celtic is delighted with him.

'He has fitted in brilliantly and we have no complaints about him on or off the park.

'The board know the fans would love him to stay - we want him to stay too.'

[Lance Knight]

Thursday, April 7, 2005

McNamara eager for contract talks


Jackie McNamara will ask manager Martin O'Neill for a new contract to see out his career at Celtic.
The 31-year-old's agent today revealed O'Neill has requested a meeting to discuss a new deal as soon as possible before the end of the season.


Celtic are likely to offer a one-year extension but McNamara, a Scotland international, believes he can continue at the club for a number of years before retiring.

McNamara's agent, Darren Jackson, said: 'He wants to stay at Celtic for the rest of his career. To be fair he has been playing well for quite some time and we will see what is on offer when we sit down with them.

'But he is only 31 and he believes that he has a few years left in him at the top level before hanging up his boots.'

O'Neill has moved to set up a meeting with McNamara's current contract expiring at the end of the season.

It has been suggested the former Dunfermline defender could leave after his testimonial game against the Republic of Ireland this summer.

But former Hoops striker Jackson added: 'We haven't opened contract talks just yet but hopefully we will in a short while. I have had a conversation with Martin O'Neill a week and a half ago and he was saying we need to get together.

'Obviously their schedule is busy with cup semi-finals and other important games but we are trying to get a date sorted. We can't put a time limit on this at the moment but at least they have set the ball rolling.'

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell also looks set to open talks with Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd soon to discuss the cost of bringing on-loan striker Craig Bellamy to the club permanently.

Meanwhile, Nantes goalkeeper Mickael Landreau has denied being in contact with the Scottish champions.

The France international keeper, who has spent all his career with Les Canaris, has a contract with the French club until June 2006 but Nantes are prepared to let him go this summer for an estimated £3million.

Landreau said: 'I don't know anything about it all, my priority is survival with Nantes.'

Nantes are in 15th place and four points above the relegation zone in Ligue 1. They will face leaders and likely 2005 French champions Lyon at the weekend.

[Lance Knight]

Monday, April 11, 2005

Petrov wants Bellamy for keeps


Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov urged the club to fund the long-term signing of Craig Bellamy after the Welshman fired the Hoops into the Tennent's Scottish Cup final.
Man-of-the-match Bellamy scored Celtic's second goal in their 2-1 semi-final win over Hearts at Hampden Park and further endeared himself to the supporters who hope his loan deal from Newcastle will made permanent.


Bulgarian Petrov has been highly impressed by Bellamy since he arrived in Glasgow just before the January transfer window closed, his goals earning comparisons to the impact Henrik Larsson made at the club.

Petrov said: 'Bellamy adds something different to our game. Everyone knows what Henrik did at this club but Craig is different to him. He's faster, sharper and more dangerous.

'I hope we can keep him but it's up to the boss. We'll see in the next month and a half what the decision will be.

'If you want to do well in the Champions League you need players like that.'

While the clamour to retain Bellamy grows, Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon was reluctant to contemplate the prospect of the May 28 final against Dundee United as being his last in a Hoops jersey.

The Irishman's contract is up in the summer and as yet no agreement on a new deal has been reached.

Lennon said: 'It's all ifs and buts at the moment. It's still early in the talks but hopefully my agent will be up next week and we can get down to seeing where my future is going to be. I can't say any more than that.'

Lennon claimed Hearts paid the price for getting carried away after their surprise 2-0 Bank of Scotland Premier League victory over the Hoops last week.

He said: 'Of course there was more motivation after what was said by the Hearts players during the week. It was a wee incentive for us.

'People see us as a big scalp and that's understandable, but they seemed to go into the game over-confident.

'I think we made it a wee bit hard for ourselves because at 2-0 up we were coasting.

'They scored a good goal to get them back into the game and they had a go but over the piece we were the better team.'

[Lance Knight]

Friday, April 22, 2005

Lennon close to new Hoops deal


Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon is on the verge of signing a new deal, according to his agent.

The Northern Irishman is believed to have other offers on the table from English clubs.

But his agent Martin Reilly claims Lennon still loves life in Glasgow and could put pen to paper one a one-year extension next week.

He told the Daily Record: 'We're very happy with the way Celtic are dealing with the matter.

'We haven't been putting pressure on the club, although Neil has made it clear he wants to stay and we're setting up more talks for next week.

'At this moment we are close to a deal. I can't say it will definitely happen next week but there is a good chance it might.

'Neil wants to stay and all he's asking for is a one-year package.'

[Lance Knight]

'Bring on the Ibrox boo boys' - Bellamy


Celtic striker Craig Bellamy is relishing the chance to take the Ibrox heat off team-mate Neil Lennon.

The on-loan Newcastle forward is expecting a hostile reception from Rangers supporters in the crucial Old Firm derby on Sunday.
Celtic Park midfielder Lennon has been a regular target for abuse from Rangers fans in recent years.

But now the Wales international wants Gers supporters to turn their attentions to him as he attempts to help Celtic open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.
Bellamy said: 'For the first time, Lenny will get a half-decent ride (at Ibrox) and he is looking forward to it.
'I know what I am up against and I cannot wait. The more I get booed, the better I play. It gets me motivated.'
But the 25-year-old is also thrilled at the prospect of playing in his second Old Firm derby.
The forward made his Hoops' debut in the 2-0 home defeat by Rangers in February.
And, despite playing in a north-east derby against Sunderland, the former Norwich man insists nothing can compare to an Old Firm game.
Bellamy said: 'I have not been involved in anything quite like this.
'At Newcastle, I played against Sunderland but the Old Firm game is a one-off.
'I have not seen another game in the world with this much intensity and I am not just saying that because I am going to be involved in it.
'This game is so big and it means so much to the two sets of fans. And to be involved in it gives everyone a great buzz.
'Playing in it is pretty special. I know I am with Celtic but, even on Rangers' behalf, these are two great, great clubs with so much tradition.
'Both sets of fans have so much passion - this is life to them.
'To be involved in that and have the responsibility of playing for a team with that following is a massive honour and something really special.'
But Bellamy has warned the Light Blues that he is enjoying the best season of his career.
The Welshman has struck eight goals in 11 games during his short time at Celtic Park and the club have expressed their desire to keep him in Glasgow beyond the end of his loan deal.
Bellamy said: 'I feel I have been in good form since the start of the season - when I scored against Middlesborough on the opening day.
'I have scored 21 goals this season in all competitions - UEFA Cup, Premiership, SPL and Scottish Cup - and I have scored three international goals as well.
'So it has probably been the best season I have ever had. I have also played 47 games, which I think is a record for me.'

[Lance Knight]

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Striker Bellamy out for three weeks


Celtic striker Craig Bellamy has been ruled out of action for up to three weeks with a hamstring injury.
The Wales international had been in excellent form the Hoops since joining the club on January 31 in a loan deal from Newcastle.


However, after terrorising the Rangers' defence in the first half of the 2-1 win at Ibrox on Sunday, the 25-year-old pulled up as he chased a ball early in the second period.

Now Celtic Park boss Martin O'Neill will be without the forward for up to three weeks as he prepares to build on the current five-point advantage and capture the Bank of Scotland Premier League title.

Bellamy underwent an MRI scan today on the injury and O'Neill received the bad news this evening.

The scan revealed the player had sustained a slight strain to his left hamstring.

Now, with Celtic on course to clinch the title at Hearts on May 15, Bellamy could miss the Tynecastle game.

A statement on the club's official website, www.celticfc.net, said: 'An injury of this kind typically takes between two and three weeks to properly heal and would therefore rule Bellamy out of Celtic's forthcoming matches with Hibernian and Aberdeen, also leaving in doubt his participation at Tynecastle on May 15.'

However, the striker is expected to be available for the Tennent's Scottish Cup final against Dundee United at Hampden Park on May 28.

[Lance Knight]

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Hartson feared for Celtic future


Celtic star John Hartson feared this could be his last season at the club.
Hartson - who was named joint SPFA player of the year with Fernando Ricksen - penned a new deal until 2007 early in the New Year.


But he admits he thought Celtic were set to show him the door following a series of injury problems.

He told the Scottish Sun: 'Everybody knows how I feel about Celtic and I made it clear my first option was to stay here, I wanted to extend my contract beyond the summer.

'The manager made it clear that he wanted me to put pen to paper and that was very important to me. Let`s face it, it was the ideal chance for the club to get me out of the door.

'But despite the manager`s desire and that of the club to keep me, you are never totally sure how things are going to go.'

[Lance Knight]

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Hartson wants Bellamy to stick around


John Hartson has urged Craig Bellamy to pledge his future to Celtic beyond the end of the season.

Bellamy has been a revelation since his January loan move from Newcastle and Celtic chiefs have made no secret of their desire to hold onto him.


The 25-year-old striker has already attracted admiring glances from other Barclays Premiership sides and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are the latest club to express an interest.

Hartson knows better than most just how influential Bellamy is as a result of their time together with the Wales national team.

And he would love to continue the relationship at both club and country level.

He told the club's official website, www.celticfc.co.uk: 'You know the kind of class that he's capable of producing.

'He's a top player - that's why there are so many clubs who want him - and it would be fantastic if we could hold on to him a bit longer.'

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell reiterated his desire to make Bellamy's move to Celtic Park a permanent one following his Old Firm performance at the weekend.

He said: 'Anyone watching Craig Bellamy on Sunday could not fail to see he is a special player.

'I'm already on record as saying we'll do everything in our power to keep him at Celtic Park.

'He will no doubt have several offers on the table but he's certainly a player everyone connected with the club wants to keep here.

'There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration - not least where Craig wants to play his football next season.

'But, hopefully, his experience at Celtic has been an overwhelmingly positive one and this can only be a major plus in our favour.'

A return south of the border had seemed most likely but Bayern Munich have raised the stakes by admitting Bellamy caught their eye during Sunday's game.

Bayern Munich deputy chairman Uli Hoeness, who was at Ibrox, said: 'There were two or three players we had discussed and we wanted to see.

'In my opinion, Bellamy was the best player on the field.'

Hartson admitted he was impressed, but not surprised, by the performance of Marvin Andrews in Sunday`s game.

The Rangers defender - a devout Christian and faith healer - has resisted medical advice to have an operation on cruciate knee ligament damage, choosing to play on instead.

Andrews did not look out of place against Celtic on Sunday and Hartson admits neither he nor Bellamy had any intention of changing their own style of play to accommodate the injured player.

He added: 'I`ve played against big Marv on quite a few occasions now, so I knew exactly what to expect from him.

'You always know with the big fellow that he will compete and that he`s strong and committed and that was never going to change on Sunday.

'His knee is a personal issue and it`s his prerogative to do whatever he thinks is best.

'It certainly didn`t affect his performance and I`ve got to say that it didn`t affect the way either Craig or myself went into the game against him.

'We treated him with the same respect we always do.'

[Lance Knight]

good news, now he might stay at celtic for sure

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Text pest Bellamy shown Toon door


Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has told Craig Bellamy he has no future on Tyneside after sending insulting text messages to Alan Shearer.
It was reported over the weekend that Bellamy, currently on loan at Celtic, sent gloating messages to striker Shearer and Shepherd's son Kenneth after Newcastle's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester United.


Shepherd has now confirmed that did happen but claimed Shearer told him in no uncertain terms he would not be welcome back at St James' Park.

Shepherd told the Daily Express: 'It's true that messages were received from Bellamy's phone - but he got more than he bargained for from Alan Shearer.

'The text he sent to Kenneth was mildly upsetting but what he said to Shearer was insulting.

'It was along the lines that he was past it and his legs had gone and that he was going to come back here from Celtic.

'I can tell you there is no chance of that. Bellamy has taken on a hero in Alan and there is only one winner of that one. And it is not Bellamy.

'Alan might have thought twice about firing off a reply but he was obviously so riled he reacted. He told Bellamy he would knock his block off if he ever set foot back in Newcastle.'

Bellamy joined Celtic on loan until the end of the season in January after a public fall-out with manager Graeme Souness.

He scored the decisive goal in Sunday's crucial Old Firm win over Rangers but has now been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. His long-term future is still to be resolved.

[Lance Knight]

Sunday, May 29, 2005

Petrov wants to stay with Strachan


Stilian Petrov has indicated he will still be at Celtic Park next season after winning the Tennent's Scottish Cup at Hampden Park yesterday.
The Bulgarian international cast doubt over his future on Thursday and there are a host of clubs waiting to make their move.


But following Neil Lennon's hint he will sign a new contract, the 25-year-old has given Celtic supporters further optimism for next season after Martin O'Neill's departure.

Petrov said: 'I still have two years left on my contract so that suggests I could be here for a while.

'There has always been speculation about my future but I have two years to go and I will be reporting back for training in the summer.'

Petrov is then looking forward to working under new manager Gordon Strachan.

He added: 'He has got a different way of doing things and training.

'I don't know too much about him but I am looking forward to working with him and finding out more about him in the pre-season.'

Petrov was delighted to give O'Neill a winning send-off by beating Dundee United 1-0 but he is hoping that the Northern Irishman, who announced he is stepping down to spend more time with his sick wife Geraldine, will make a speedy return to management.

'We were really disappointed not to win the league last week but that's it finished now and we have a new manager coming in now to take over,' Petrov added.

'We want to celebrate because we have been with this man for five years now and have had great success so we wish him all the best and we are happy to give him the trophy.

'Everybody should wish him and his wife all the best and hope that he comes back as quickly as possible in football and that everything with his family has a happy ending.

'It was an emotional day and the players are drained but it was just great to give the manager something big like this to finish with.

'A lot has happened this week and it's been hard so to finish with this has put a smile on our faces again.

'We will always remember last week but at least we can now go away with something.'

[Lance Knight]

Wednesday, June 1, 2005

'Old Firm move has support' - Strachan


New Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has revealed the club's dream of moving to the Premiership has substantial support in England.
That switch has been the aim of both Celtic and Rangers for a number of seasons but so far the door has remained firmly shut to them.


But Strachan, who takes over officially from Martin O'Neill today, made it clear he believed many south of the border were well aware of the benefits of the scheme.

He said: 'I just know without a doubt that everyone in the Premiership in England would like Rangers and Celtic there - apart from that is the two or three who would miss out.

'I think it would be absolutely fantastic but I would need to make sure clubs here were protected at the same time.

'You can't go barging away as it is communities we are talking about with other clubs and they play a huge part in those communities.'

Strachan insisted his top priority was to reclaim the Bank of Scotland Premier League title from Rangers.

He said: 'My vision though is to win the SPL title next year - after that then, who knows?

'I very rarely have long-term ambitions. I never dreamed I would get this job or be at Manchester United when I went there.

'I just did my job wherever I was and ended somewhere else when asked. I'll just do my job again here and see where we end up.'

[holicman]

Apparently Celtic are looking at Kevin Phillips from Southampton