5/31/2002

HEALY'S FINAL WORLD CUP KO

Colin Healy will not be jetting out to Saipan to team up with his Ireland team-mates after FIFA rejected the FAI's appeal to include the midfielder in place of the expelled Roy Keane. Healy, currently on holiday in Spain, had been primed to back his bags and head East if FIFA had agreed that Keane's departure was due to exceptional circumstances.

As was expected, however, FIFA have blocked any move to allow the Celtic player to belatedly join the World Cup squad.

5/28/2002

MORE TRANSFER SPECULATION

Panathinaikos defender Panyiotis Fyssas is reported to be the subject of a bid from Celtic. The player is 29 years old and a bid of £2 million is being touted around.

5/27/2002

MJALLBY SET TO FACE ENGLAND

Sweden have been boosted by the news that Johan Mjallby could be back in action soon.

The defender, who was forced off in the 1-1 draw against Japan, has had a cortisone injection and expects to be back in two days.

5/27/2002

Celtic Under 21's crash out of Hong Kong tournament.

Celtic's young guns crashed out at the quarter final stage, they held PSV Eindhoven to a 1-1 draw, Shaun Maloney netting for the hoops. They lost out however on the golden goal rule when the Dutch side were awarded a dodgy penalty kick in extra time.

5/27/2002

TEARS AS LUBO SIGNS OFF WITH A GOAL

LUBO MORAVCIK ended his international career at the weekend with a charity game in Slovakia.

But even though he was back at home, he still had time to send a message to his fans in Glasgow saying: "You were fantastic. I will never forget you".

Moravcik, signed from German side Duisburg in 1998, scored the winning goal in his testimonial which raised £5000 for handicapped children in his hometown of Nitra.

The game was played between a select of former Czech and Slovak stars and the Czechoslovak side that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1990.

Moravcik, now 37, said: "All the money is for those kids."

More than 10,000 people - 10 times the size of a normal Slovak crowd for a first division match - paid to see the select win 5-4.

Moravcik said: "This match is something I'll remember until the day I die."

And, fighting back tears, the star midfielder said he would never be able to forget his fans in Glasgow for their support.

He said: "The Celtic fans were fantastic. In my last match, they waved a giant replica of my shirt on which they had written Thank you, Lubo."

Moravcik will spend some time with his family before flying out to begin a six-month stint with Japanese team JEF Ichihara, managed by ex-Celtic boss Jozef Venglos.

5/26/2002

Cygan open to Celtic move.

Lille defender Pascal Cygan says he would love a move to Celtic. Celtic face a fight to land Cygan who is also fancied by Arsenal, Leeds United, Monaco and Marseille.

He said: "My contract finishes at the end of next season but I am not happy at Lille and don't think they can help further my career. I want to move to a bigger club. Celtic would be perfect.

"I am very enthusiastic about a move there.

" I hope Lille wouldn't try to prevent me moving to another club. In fact, should I move now they will at least pick up a transfer fee.

"And I know Bobo Balde although I've not spoken to him recently. There are a lot of French-speaking players in the Scottish Premier League so it would be a good country for me to play in."

5/25/2002

JAPAN 1 SWEDEN 1

Celtic's two Swedes were very much involved in their countries final warm up match. Henrik Larsson set up the first goal for Marcus Allback to give Sweden a half time lead. Japan pulled back an equaliser in the second half when Celtic's Johan Mjallby turned the ball into his own net, in fairness Mjallby could do little about the goal as the ball hit him as he was facing towards his own goal. Overall a good workout for both teams with a 1-1 draw being a fair reflection on the game.

5/25/2002

SWEDEN ONE UP AGAINST JAPAN

Henrik Larsson has set up the 1st goal in Sweden's last warm up match against Japan, the goal was slotted home by Aston Villa's new signing Allback.

5/24/2002

IRELAND KICK OUT 'DISRESPECTFUL' KEANE

Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane has been sent home from the World Cup after a blistering attack on the side's preparations for the tournament. "I am happy to go to the World Cup one man down rather than with a player who shows utter disregard and disrespect for me," fumed coach Mick McCarthy.

5/22/2002

TURKISH DELIGHT??????

The latest name to be linked with a move to Celtic Park is Turkish internationalist Umit Ozat. The 27 year old Fenerbache defender will be available on a free after playing in the World Cup.

5/22/2002

Ireland’s captain Keane in bust up with ex Celt Packie Bonner.

It was widely reported today that Roy Keane of Manchester United and Ireland had walked out on Mick McCarthy’s World Cup squad following a row with goalkeeping coach Packie Bonner.

Celtic’s Colin Healy was called up to Ireland's squad after the incident only for his hopes to be dashed when the Eire captain had a change of mind and returned to the squad a couple of hours later. The row was reportedly about whether or not goalkeepers should take part in training matches with Keane of the opinion that they should. Following today's events Colin Healy has decided against jetting out to the join up with the squad although Mick McCarthy extended an invatation to the Celtic youngster following Keane's U-Turn.

5/22/2002

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

Celtic will know their opponents in the Champions League third qualifying round when the draw is made on 26 July.

Champions League third qualifying round

Seeded teams: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Feyenoord, AC Milan, Dinamo Kiev, Lokomotiv Moscow, AEK Athens, Sparta Prague*, Rosenborg, Newcastle United, Bruges*, Sturm Graz*, Boavista*, Celtic.

Non seeded teams: Sporting Lisbon, Auxerre, Slovan Liberec, Shakhtar Donetsk*, Racing Genk, Brondby*, Tirol Innsbruuck, Fenerbahce, Maccabi Haifa*, Legia Warsaw*, Lillestrom*, Basel*, Partizan Belgrade*, NK Zagreb*, Levski Sofia*, NK Maribor*.

*Denotes team participating in second qualifying round.

5/21/2002

£220,000-a-game for Celtic keeper Kharine,Goodwin joins Stockport

Celtic has released expensive Russian goalkeeper Dmitri Kharine. The 33 year-old enjoyed a £10,000-a-week deal, yet played only seven league games. His earnings were in excess of £1.56 million during his three-year stay - which amounts to costing Celtic an incredible £222,857 for each game he played.

Meanwhile, Celtic U21 captain Jim Goodwin has signed with Stockport County.

The young Irishman turned down a one-year contract offer from Celtic to join the English Second Division outfit.

5/21/2002

I AM BETTER THAN EVER, BOASTS MJALLBY

Sweden defender Johan Mjallby has claimed that he is in better shape than ever after a tough season with Celtic. "I have shed five or six kilos and improved my mobility," the Swedish vice-captain said on Monday.

5/19/2002

Leeds watch as Lennon puts deadline on Celtic bonus pay.

Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon has given the club until July 1 to honour an outstanding bonus payment. Lennon is reportedly owed money as part of his £5.5 million move from Leicester 18 months ago.

His agent, Mel Stein, has been talking with Celtic over the payment since January and won't wait forever to get it sorted out.

If the matter isn't resolved by July then press reports suggest Lennon will seriously consider asking for a transfer.

The Northern Ireland international has been linked with Leeds United this year.

5/19/2002

Leeds boss O'Leary wants Celtic's Hartson

Leeds United are chasing Celtic centre-forward John Hartson. Boss David O'Leary has been linked with the Wales international in today's press and a bid of around £7.5 million could soon be tabled.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill does not want to lose Hartson, but may be forced to cash in if the club fails to provide sufficient transfer funds over the close-season.

5/18/2002

Sweden defeated in World Cup warm up game.

Henrik Larsson played in the surprise defeat of Sweden by Paraguay in last night's warm up match. Paraguay won by 2-1.

5/17/2002

IZZET WANTS TO LINK UP WITH O'NEILL AT CELTIC

Leicester and Turkey midfielder Muzzy Izzet has revealed that would be keen to join up with former manager Martin O'Neill at Celtic. "I'm hoping Martin will be in touch because I will definitely speak to him," he said on Thursday.

5/17/2002

Info on some of the teams we could face in the Champions League.

Celtic could face former Champions League foes Croatia Zagreb as they pursue a place in the lucrative group stages of next season's Champions League.

The SPL champions will definitely be seeded after Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League Final at Hampden.

And Martin O'Neill will have received a massive fillip as the identities of potential opponents in the third qualifying round became apparent yesterday.

Celtic, having been unseeded at the start of this season's tournament, eliminated seeds Ajax with a spectacular win in the Amsterdam Arena last August.

Having successfully defended their SPL crown - and enhanced their pean standings with five wins - Celtic are almost certain to face an easier opening task as they plot a return to the group stages next term.

Croatia Zagreb, who beat Jozef Venglos' Celtic side in the third qualifying round in 1998/99, are among 16 unseeded sides in the draw.

Celtic could also face the Turks of bahce, who defeated Rangers in this son's third qualifying round, or NK Maribor of Slovenia, who the Ibrox club beat in the round.

The highest-ranked unseeded clubs, according to UEFA coefficients, are newly-crowned Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon plus Slovan Liberec of the Czech Republic, Auxerre of France and Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukraine.

Among other possible opponents for Celtic are Belgian champions Racing Genk, Tirol Innsbruck of Austria, Maccabi Haifa of Israel and Legia Warsaw of Poland.

Lillestrom of Norway, Basel of Switzerland and Partizan Belgrade of Yugoslavia are among the lower-ranked clubs, while the third round will be completed by the yet-to-be decided champions of Denmark and Bulgaria.

It had been feared Celtic would be unseeded in the third qualifying round and perhaps face the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.

But Real's victory at Hampden ensured they need not pre-qualify for next season's tournament, thus opening a seeding berth for Celtic.

5/15/2002

It's the Real deal for Celts.

Zinedine Zidane's magnificent winner in tonight's Champions League Final means that Celtic will be seeded in their qualifying tie for next seasons competition.

Celtic will face one of the following teams :

Sporting CP Lisbon Por 34.124 AJ Auxerre Fra 32.176 Slovan Liberec Cze 29.312 Shakhtar Donetsk **? Ukr 23.979 Racing Genk Bel 21.762 CL1 ** Den >20.687 FC Tirol Innsbruck Aut 20.625 Fenerbahçe Tur 19.362 Maccabi Haifa ** Isr 18.666 Legia Warsaw ** Pol 17.750 Lillestrøm SK ** Nor 15.737 FC Basel ** Sui 14.312 Partizan Belgrade ** Yug 14.165 NK Zagreb ** Cro 12.520 CL1 ** Bul >11.582 NK Maribor ** Slo 10.916

5/14/2002

WELSH DRAGONS SLAY GERMANS

Celtic's John Hartson was part of the Welsh side that inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Germany tonight in Cardiff. Hartson laid on the winner for Robert Earnshaw who had a spell with Morton a few seasons ago a minute into the second half.

5/14/2002

NO GO AGAIN FOR OLD FIRM MOVE SOUTH

A statement released on the FA's official website said: "The FA today (Tuesday) made it clear that it would not sanction either Celtic or Rangers joining the Nationwide Football League.

"This was discussed at a recent board meeting. The FA have re-confirmed that such a move would be contrary to its policy and against the spirit of fair competition."

5/13/2002

NEMSADZE KEEN ON CELTIC MOVE

Georgia captain and Dundee midfielder Giorgi Nemsadze is keen on moving to Celtic. "Nobody has talked to me about a transfer yet, but I know that Celtic are interested. It is a huge club, and their interest reflects well upon me," he told

5/9/2002

PIERRE HELPS FEYNOORD TO UEFA CUP GLORY

Pierre Van Hooijdonk scored two goals in last night's UEFA Cup-Final to help Feynoord defeat Paul Lambert's old club Borussia Dortmund 3-2. It's only the second medal Pierre has picked up in his career, he of course scored the winner for Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final against Airdrie in the mid nineties.

5/9/2002

HEALY MISSES OUT ON WORLD CUP PLACE

Celtic's Colin Healy has been omitted from Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland squad for the forthcoming World Cup.

5/6/2002

European Leagues Round Up

Ajax, Valencia, & Juventus all clinched their respective league championships in dramatic fashion on Sunday.

Paul Lambert’s old side Borussia Dortmund also clinched the German Bundesliga by pipping Bayern Leverkusen.

All four sides now automatically qualify for next season’s Champions League.

5/5/2002

AJAX WIN TITLE IN HOLLAND

Ajax secured the league title in Holland earlier today, they defeated NEC by 2-0

5/3/2002

Fans set to be reimbursed.

Celtic supporters who attended the Champions League encounter against Valencia in the Mestalla Stadium are set for a cash reimbursement. Supporters were charged £20 in advance by the Spanish outfit to gain admittance to the intimidating ground, however, fans turning up on the night were able to get in for £4. John Paul Taylor, the club's ticket services manager, took up the supporters' fight, and after months of stalemate, the Spaniards have agreed to compensate Celtic, and fans that paid £20 in advance are now entitled to a cash return. Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod confirmed the good news, and he told the club's official website: "We arranged for an allocation from Valencia and the price was then agreed at around £20 per ticket. Fans who booked through the club were charged this for their ticket to the game, but when they arrived at the ground we discovered that tickets were being sold on the door for £4 a ticket. "We lodged a complaint with Valencia about the differential ticket prices, and that has been going on from when we played the game until now, and I think John Paul Taylor, our ticket services manager, deserves an enormous amount of credit for continually pursuing the matter. "He wouldn't let it go and Valencia have eventually agreed that there was an overcharge. They have agreed they will refund the difference to the fans who paid the higher price and who booked through Celtic." Those who paid the higher price will now be reimbursed by the club.

5/3/2002

Dynamic Duo named in World Cup squad

Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjallby have received a boost ahead of tomorrow's Scottish Cup Final when they were named in Sweden's World Cup squad. Coventry goalkeeper Magnus Hedman has also booked his seat on the plane to Japan and South Korea, along with Everton duo Niclas Alexandersson and Tobias Linderoth, who will make the trip to the summer's showpiece tournament.

The squad in full is:

Goalkeepers: Magnus Hedman (Coventry), Andreas Isaksson (Djurgarden), Magnus Kihlstedt (FC Copenhagen).

Defenders: Patrik Andersson (Barcelona), Tomas Antonelius (FC Copenhagen), Erik Edman (Heerenveen), Andreas Jakobsson (Hansa Rostock), Teddy Lucic (AIK Stockholm), Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa), Johan Mjallby (Celtic), Michael Svensson (Troyes).

Midfielders: Niclas Alexandersson (Everton), Hakan Mild (Wimbledon), Anders Svensson (Southampton), Magnus Svensson (Brondby), Daniel Andersson (Venezia), Mattias Jonsson (Brondby), Tobias Linderoth (Everton).

Strikers: Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal), Henrik Larsson (Celtic), Marcus Allback (Heerenveen), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Ajax), Andreas Andersson (AIK Stockholm). Picture: Larsson named in World Cup squad

5/1/2002

Celtic youths slip up and hand title to Gers.

Celtic 2 Rangers 3

Celtic were twice in the lead in this one but let it slip twice before Rangers grabbed the winner. It looks as if it's all over for under 18's.

5/1/2002

Celtic veteran Moravcik heading to Japan

Celtic veteran Lubo Moravcik will join Japanese J-League outfit JEF United Ichihara when he quits Parkhead this summer. The Czech playmaker will leave the club after playing in this weekend's Scottish Cup final with Rangers and the Scottish Premier League match at Aberdeen the following week. After months of deliberating, the 36-year-old admits his next destination will be the Far East to join up with an old friend - Ichihara's former Czech national coach Jozef Venglos. "I will probably go to Japan, but it's not yet official," Moravcik said. "I have only a few days before I will say something for certain, but I have something to do here first. "I have wanted to push talk of my future to one side, but I have had time to think and I have decided to go to Japan at the end of the season to Ichihara with Dr Jozef Venglos," he said.

5/1/2002

MAN U CRASH OUT OF THE BIG CUP

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage last night on the away goals rule after the tie finished at 3-3.

Bayer Leverkusen now have the chance of becoming the first team to win the Champions League without actually ever winning the League title in their own country.

5/1/2002

Tickets for Champions League Final up for grabs to highest bidder.

Two Champions League Final tickets up for sale, highest bid secures.

E-mail your bids to mdinning@yahoo.com

I will pass on the relevant information to the seller.