4/1/2003

JOOS COULD BE BACK FOR UEFA TIES

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been boosted by the news that Joos Valgaeren should be fit in time for the UEFA Cup semi-final against Boavista.

The Parkhead defender picked up what looked like medial knee ligament damage during Belgium's defeat at the hands of Croatia at the weekend.

That sparked fears that Valgaeren was set to miss the remainder of the season, which includes the vital championship run-in against Rangers, as well as their UEFA Cup double-header against Boavista.

However, a statement on the club's official website, www.celticfc.net, said: "The Belgian defender will undergo a scan later tonight in order to quantify the exact nature of the injury, but club doctor Roddy McDonald isn't anticipating any serious problem.

3/31/2003

Celt in injury scare.

Joos Valgaeren could miss the rest of Celtic's season after injuring his knee while playing for Belgium.

The centre-half damaged medial ligaments towards the end of his country's 4-0 Euro 2004 qualifying defeat to Croatia at the weekend.

And Bhoys boss Martin O'Neill will be anxiously awaiting the results of a scan which could leave the club's UEFA Cup and Scottish League campaign seriously damaged.

"It looks like the injury could be serious," said Belgium boss Aime Anthuenis.

"Joos has hurt his medial ligament and we'll need to wait until the scan before we know the extent of it."

3/28/2003

Young Celt nets winner for Scotland U21's

Celtic's Shaun Maloney scored the winner for Scotland U21's after coming on as a sub in the match against Iceland at Broadwood Stadium.

Final Score Scotland U21 1 Iceland U21 0

3/27/2003

Stan's the man again for Bulgars.

Celtic's Stilian Petrov was on the scoresheet as Bulgaria beat Serbia and Montenegro 2-1 as they warmed up for a Euro 2004 qualifier with a friendly on Thursday.

Celtic's versatile midfielder gave the Bulgarians a 14th minute lead with a great volley from the edge of the penalty area after he controlled the ball with his thigh and breezed past his marker.

Serbia and Montenegro equalised in the 28th minute through striker Darko Kovacevic before Todorov grabbed a 56th minute winner for the visitors after a brilliant move down the left.

3/27/2003

Celtic semis live on the BBC

The BBC is to screen both legs of Celtic's Uefa Cup semi final against Boavista live.

The first leg will take place at Parkhead on Thursday April 10, kick-off 7.05pm with second leg in Portugal on April 24, kick-off 8.05pm.

3/25/2003

Celtic's UEFA opponents thrashed at home.

Boavista whom Celtic meet in the semi final's of the UEFA Cup lost 3-1 at home to Belenenses in the Portuguese Superliga. They now sit in 12th position in the league a massive 38 points behind fellow countrymen and UEFA Cup semi finalist's FC Porto.

3/24/2003

BOSS TAKES BLAME FOR CUP KO.

Martin O'Neill insists the blame for Sunday's humiliating defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle lies solely on his shoulders.

The Celtic manager watched his team, conquerors of Liverpool in Europe only four days earlier, dumped out of the competition by the Highlanders for the second time in three seasons.

O'Neill looked on in horror after making eight changes to the side that won so convincingly at Anfield to reach the last four of the UEFA Cup.

A goal in the final minute of the first half by prolific scorer Dennis Wyness left the Hoops with only the SPL title to play for on the domestic front.

"It's totally and absolutely my responsibility, no doubt about it," he said.

"I'm not sure I wanted to take credit for Thursday night. It was a superb all-round performance from them in midweek.

But this is my responsibility totally and always will be," added the Irishman.

3/22/2003

Under 18's reach Cup Final

Ross Wallace, Mark Cassidy and Craig Beattie were all on target as Willie McStay's under-18 side progressed to the SFA Youth Cup final with a 3-0 victory over Ayr United last night.

3/22/2003

TICKET SCRAMBLE ABOUT TO TAKE OFF AGAIN

Celtic officials will visit Portugal next week in an effort to secure extra tickets for the club's Uefa Cup semi-final second leg with Boavista. The Estadio Do Bessa is undergoing extensive renovation ahead of the 2004 European Championship and is operating with a 15,000 capacity. Thus Celtic, under Uefa regulations, are entitled to only 750 tickets for the encounter on April 24, nowhere near enough to satisfy what will be a huge demand from travelling fans A brief meeting between the clubs after yesterday's draw gained agreement for the figure to be raised closer to 1,000, with Celtic hoping there will be a further increase once an inspection of the stadium takes place. "We hope to get a final figure next week," said the head of operations, Ronnie Hawthorn. "Clearly we want to make sure the allocation we get is in a safe area but we will only know that by consulting with the police and other authorities. We are looking for as many as possible, but we have to recognise the stadium is under renovation and the number of tickets will be limited." The problem has cast a shadow over Celtic's first European semi-final for 29 years, although nothing could completely wipe away the obvious jubilation of their 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.

3/22/2003

STAN PUT'S PEN TO PAPER ON NEW 4 YEAR DEAL

Celtic's Bulgarian midfielder Stilian Petrov has signed a four-year contract extension with the club.

Bhoys' manager Martin O'Neill said he was pleased the player had finally pledged his future to the club.

"I'm absolutely delighted," said O'Neill. "Stan is fully deserving of this contract and, although it may have seemed an awfully long, drawn-out saga, I've never been in any doubt that he deserved some kind of reward for his excellent performances over the last 18 months."

3/18/2003

Diouf gets two-match ban

Uefa has handed Liverpool striker El-Hadji Diouf a two-match ban after he spat at Celtic fans during last week's Uefa Cup tie. Celtic were fined £2,300 for the conduct of their supporters during the incident which occured towards the end of the 1-1 draw.

3/18/2003

Larsson returns for Sweden

Henrik Larsson has ended his self-imposed exile from international football and will return to play for Sweden. The 31-year-old Celtic front-man won the last of his 72 caps during last summer's World Cup, when he scored in the 2-1 second-round defeat to Senegal.

Larsson, who has bagged 24 goals for his country, announced after the tournament in Japan and Korea that he would only play club football.

But having been persuaded to reconsider due to a striking shortage, he has been named in the squad to face Hungary on 2 April.

Sweden have struggled without the striker, drawing their opening qualifying matches for Euro 2004 with Latvia and Hungary.

A press release from Sweden read: "With Ibrahimovic suspended and other forwards out of form we have asked Henrik Larsson if will help us in this very important game in Hungary and, happily, Henrik said `yes'."

Larsson has just returned from a five-week break, following a jaw fracture and has scored in his last two outings, against Liverpool and Rangers, taking his tally to 36 goals for the season.

3/14/2003

TICKET BALLOT FOR SUPPORTERS CLUBS

A ballot took place earlier today at Celtic Park for supporters clubs in the European Away Registration Scheme.

There was a total of 211 supporters clubs in the ballot.

The ballot was conducted in front of around 100 representatives of various supporters’ braches.

Ticket services manager JohnPaul Taylor performed the ballot.

Thirty-five clubs were drawn out and each will receive eight tickets for Thursday’s UEFA Cup 2nd leg match at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium.

The successful supporters clubs were as follows.

1 THORLIEBANK EMERALD CSC 2 GREENOCK SHAMROCK CSC 3 EWLANDS SHAMROCK CSC 4 CHARLIE TULLY SHANNON CSC 5 JIMMY McGRORY CSC 6 LOMOND CSC 7 WISHAW EMERALD CSC 8 DUMBARTON HARP CSC 9 CUMBERNAULD No1 CSC 10 LARKHALL CSC 11 CAIRN CSC 12 DONEGAL ASSOCIATION 13 EAST END CSC 14 TOLLCROSS EXECUTIVE CSC 15 DAN BREEN TIPPERARY CSC 16 BLACKPOOL SHAMROCK CSC 17 CROY CSC 18 HELENBURGH No1 CSC 19 TAMESIDE EMERALD CSC 20 CORBY CSC 21 KIRKINTILLOCH EMERALD CSC 22 PARADE CSC 23 BARRHEAD ST MARY’S CSC 24 ARDROSSAN DALRY CSC 25 COOKSTOWN CSC 26 PORT GLASGOW No1 CSC 27 MIRE BAR CSC 28 DERRY No1 CSC 29 EASTFIELD EMERALD CSC 30 ERIN GO BRAGH CSC 31 BILLY McNEILL CSC (OMAGH) 32 TOMMY BURNS CSC 33 ARDROSSAN GARRY OWEN CSC 34 DUNOON No 1 CSC 35 ERSKINE PARK CSC

All clubs will be contacted by ticket services over the next few days for collection and payment details.

3/14/2003

UEFA TO INVESTIGATE?

UEFA is to investigate allegations that Liverpool FC's Senegalese international El Hadji Diouf spat at Celtic FC fans in last night's UEFA Cup quarter-final first-leg match in Glasgow. Awaiting reports European football's governing body said today that it would await official reports on the alleged incident, and would also study video evidence before deciding whether to take any action ahead of next week's second leg.

3/14/2003

POLICE INVESTIGATE DIOUF SPITTING ROW

Liverpool star El Hadji Diouf's fate has been passed to Scotland's Procurator Fiscal after he was caught apparently spitting at fans during last night's 1-1 UEFA Cup draw with Celtic at Parkhead.

The incident late in the game marred a good performance by the African Player of the Year.

His actions sparked an angry reaction from two fans, who were arrested and released, while Diouf was questioned by police and is now waiting to see if he will be charged or let off with a warning.

A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police confirmed: ``A 22-year-old man is the subject of a report to the Fiscal and also two 18-year-old men ran onto the pitch after the incident.

``He (Diouf) was spoken to last night so now it will be up to the Fiscal to press charges.''

3/13/2003

Reds boss I don't regret turning down Celtic

GERARD HOULLIER insists he has no regrets about turning down Celtic as he prepares to lead Liverpool into tonight's UEFA Cup quarter-final showdown.

The Reds manager could have taken charge of the Scottish champions in 1998 following his decision to leave the French technical director's post after a triumphant World Cup.

Houllier held talks with then owner Fergus McCann and chief executive Jock Brown and was favourite to succeed Wim Jansen until Liverpool's 11th-hour intervention lured him to Anfield.

Despite Celtic criticism over his late decision and this season's troubles at Liverpool, however, the Reds boss is adamant he made the right choice.

"Yes, it is true that I could have been the Celtic manager. It's no secret that I had talks with them just after the World Cup in 1998.

"I was approached by Jock Brown and Fergus McCann but I made another decision in the end. But I don't want to make an issue of it. It is in the past now.

"They are two very big clubs and I chose Liverpool. That's it, and I would say it has worked out well."

Only two Liverpool players remain from the side that overcame Celtic the last time they met in the 1997 UEFA Cup, when goals by Michael Owen and Steve McManaman gave the Reds an ultimately crucial draw in the away leg.

And Houllier believes that is another indication of how far Liverpool have come since he took control.

The Reds manager said: "There is only Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher left from the last time we played Celtic. They only have two as well, McNamara and Larsson.

"At the time there were some older players, at times you need to change. We wanted to do something different and I personally think we have been pretty successful in the last four seasons, winning six trophies, progressing up the Premier League and playing in the Champions League.

"The club has changed. The facilities are different, even down to the quality of the training pitches, and the whole culture of the club has changed too.

"I believe that you have to create the best conditions for your team to progress, improve and develop."

3/12/2003

Hamstring tear rules Agathe out

Didier Agathe will not participate in Celtic FC's UEFA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool FC after being ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring tear.

Cup final The French midfield player sustained the injury in Saturday's 1-0 Scottish Premier League win against Rangers FC. The fixture was the first of four matches which promise to shape Celtic's season. They include both legs of the European meeting with Liverpool and another Old Firm outing in the Scottish League Cup final.

3/12/2003

Norwegian to ref Reds' clash

Norwegian referee Terje Hauge will take charge of tomorrow night's UEFA Cup quarter final between Celtic and Liverpool.

The 37 year old is one of the younger officials on the international list, but he is relishing the prospect of officiating in front of a capacity 60,000 crowd at Parkhead.

He said: "When I am refereeing in front of a big crowd, I have a fantastic feeling and it gives me motivation and inspiration.

"If the crowd are satisfied at the end then it gives the refereeing team a good feeling."

Hauge was selected to take charge of Cameroon's clash with Saudi Arabia in the World Cup last year, while this season he was awarded Liverpool's Champions League clash in Valencia.

3/6/2003

50-50 SPLIT FOR ANFIELD

Celtic will split their allocation of the 2,700 tickets they receive from Liverpool for the forthcoming UEFA Cup game at Anfield. 50% will go to the fans who have the right to buy tickets with the other 50% going to ordinary season book holders.

3/3/2003

Celtic not rushing Larsson back

Swedish striker Henrik Larsson will not be rushed back into action for Celtic after his double jaw fracture last month, manager Martin O'Neill said. Larsson has begun running and has undertaken some ball work, representing considerable progress from the days following the operation to reset his jaw when he was banned from any physical activity. Hoops boss Martin O'Neill told the club's official website: "He is progressing well and making good progress, but no-one is putting any timeframe on his return at all."

3/3/2003

Liverpool favourites to win UEFA Cup

The latest round of betting on this season UEFA Cup sees Celtic installed as 2nd favourites to lift their first European trophy since 1967.

Liverpool 11/4 Celtic 9/2 Lazio 5/1 Porto 11/2 Panathanaikos 15/2 Malaga 8/1 Besiktas 11/1 Boavista 16/1 Wisla Krakow 22/1

3/3/2003

Fixture pile up farce

Celtic will know later this week whether or not they can play their outstanding fixtures against Hearts and Motherwell after the SPL splits into groups of six.

3/2/2003

VFB get back to winning ways.

VFB Stuttgart whom Celtic knocked out of Europe last Thursday evening got back to winning ways today, they beat Arminia Bielefeld 1-0 with a goal from Meissner after 15 minutes. Our next opponents Liverpool won the first trophy in England this season beating Manchester United 2-0 the goals coming from Gerrard and Owen.

3/2/2003

Ticket scramble on once again.

It's emerged that Celtic supporters will once again be struggling for match tickets for the forthcoming UEFA Cup 1/4 final's tie in Liverpool. Figures being touted around at present are suggesting as little as 3,000 will be available to Celtic fans wishing to travel. We will keep you posted on any future developments.