Tuesday 29th June 2004

10.15

Larsson due in Barca

Sweden striker Henrik Larsson is expected to arrive in Barcelona on Tuesday afternoon to undergo a medical before being presented as the club's third summer signing on Wednesday.

The former Celtic man is set to sign a one-year deal with the option of a year extension.

"He is a priority," said president Joan Laporta. "He is a player that has been on the list of our coaching staff for some time."

Sports director Txiki Begiristain added: "It is something to be proud of for the club that a player that finishes his contract does not want to talk to anyone else until Barca have given him a response."

After being officially unveiled at the Nou Camp, Larsson is likely to go on holiday with his family and return with the other players who have been involved in the European Championships on July 12.

Thursday 17th June 2004

15.30

Ex Celt Hay named as new Pars Boss.

Davie Hay the ex Celtic player and manager has been appointed as the new manager of Dunfermline in preference to former Spain coach Javier Clemente.

Clemente had expressed an interest in the post but the board chose former Celtic coach Hay, who left Livingston earlier this month.

Monday 14th June 2004

12.20

Celtic starlet signs new four year deal.

Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that Aiden McGeady has signed a new four year contract with the Club.

Aiden McGeady commented, “I am delighted to have committed myself to Celtic for the next four years and I am really looking forward to working with all the other players to try and achieve more success for the Club.  

"I was fortunate enough to feature in the first team last season and I will be working hard to try and establish myself as a regular first team player next season and beyond.”

Celtic’s Football Manager Martin O’Neill added, “I am absolutely thrilled that Aiden has signed this new four year contract.   

"Without wanting to talk players up, Aiden has enormous potential and I am delighted he thinks he can realise this potential here at Celtic”.  

Peter Lawwell, Celtic’s Executive Director commented, “It is great news for the Club that we have been able to secure such an exciting talent as Aiden on a four year contract. 

"During the past few months, we have been delighted to re-sign quality young players such as David Marshall, John Kennedy, Shaun Maloney and Stephen McManus and we are pleased that with the signing of Aiden, we have another high quality young player committed to the Club”.   

Monday 14th June 2004

12.00

EURO 2004

Sweden v Bulgaria

After the hype surrounding last night's match between England and France it's back to normality when Sweden take on Bulgaria. Celtic will be well represented in this one with Henrik Larsson out to prove he truly is a World Class player, he'll be joined by Johan Mjallby and perhaps Magnus Hedman. On the Bulgarian side we have our very own Stan Petrov who captains the side.

A few reports this morning saying that his mentor Hristo Stoichkov  is advising him to quit Celtic for a bigger club. The 23-year-old midfielder, has been a huge success at Celtic Park since arriving in 1999 from CSKA Sofia. "I think Stilian has the chance to move to a bigger league now," said Barcelona coach Stoichkov. "He should be looking to compete for a club such as Barcelona or some other big team in Spain, Italy or England."

Nothing like unsettling the Captain of your country before a major game.

Wednesday 09th June 2004

07.30

Basturk's AGENT rules out Celtic switch.

Yildiray Basturk's agent has ruled out a move to Celtic after claiming they are unable to meet his wage demands.

The Turkish international midfielder is leaving Bayer Leverkusen on a Bosman free and has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe.

"This is too much money for Celtic and he will not be going to Scotland," said Reza Fazelli.

"Like Scottish teams, Turkish teams can't afford to pay the wages of teams in Germany, Italy, Spain and England."

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has been capped 31 times for Turkey.

"I have spoken to people at Celtic but they cannot compete with those teams in Germany and I think he will stay there," added Fazelli.

"There are a number of clubs interested in the player but I can say he will not be going to Glasgow.

"He is a top quality player and has enjoyed his time in Germany. We will look at all the options and then decide."

Wednesday 02nd June 2004

13.00

Neil Lennon may return for Northern Ireland.

Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon has revealed to Sky Sports News that he will consider coming out of international retirement for Northern Ireland.

Lennon quit Northern Ireland in February 2002 after being the subject of death threats, but has admitted he would think about a return to the fold if the time is right.

"I'm two years on, I don't know what the situation has been in the country for a while as I haven't been back or spoken to people about it, but I will get the summer out of the way and speak to the family again and see what they think like," Lennon told Sky Sports News.

"Maybe I will speak to the manager and see what he thinks and we'll take it from there."

Lennon hopes that if he does come out of international retirement the fans will forget all about the past and get behind him and the team.

"If I do go back basically I'm saying right, that's it, I'm back," added Lennon. "I'm calling it quits, come out and support the team forget everything that's gone on before and support the team."

Northern Ireland legend George Best welcomed Lennon's possible return to the international set-up.

"He's one of the best players we have had for a while, he's been hounded out and what chance have you got?" said Best.

"It is not really an incentive for other Catholics to want to play for their country. It's a horrible situation."

Tuesday 01st June 2004

13.50

Inverness Caley Thistle knocked back for SPL.

Celtic will be playing at Firhill again next season after Inverness Caley were denied entry to the SPL.

The ruling means that once again there is no relegation and Partick Thistle remain in the top flight.