WEDNESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2000

TRANSFER RUMOURS??????????????????????

STAN COLLYMORE

Stan Collymore has been placed on the transfer list at Martin O’Neill’s former club Leicester City; he has been placed on the transfer list after ineffectual performances and wage demands of £40,000 a week.

His name will no doubt be linked once again with Celtic as Martin O’Neill was the manager who signed him from Aston Villa, there’s no way however that Celtic will bow to pay demands of this proportion.

It certainly begs the question? If Collymore is worth 40 grand a week, how much is King Henrik worth?

Collymore has made just 11 starts for Leicester and has managed five goals in his short career at the midlands club.

RICHIE FORAN

Celtic, are keeping tabs on £150,000-rated Irish striker Richie Foran. The 20-year-old Shelbourne player has attracted mass interest from both sides of the border and is set for a career in the UK. Leicester bid £120,000 last week but Shelbourne hope to get more for their main star. As well as Celtic and Leicester, there has been interest from Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Spurs, West Ham and Derby.

TUESDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2000

Celtic’s on loan Brazilian sent off in debut game.

Rafael made an ignominious start to his attempt to resurrect his career in his native Brazil when the on-loan defender was sent off on his debut for Corinthians. The £4.8million John Barnes signing was shown a second yellow card for dissent in the 77th minute of a 1-0 win over Ponte Preta.

TUESDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2000

UNDER 21’s RESULT

Dundee 1 Celtic 4

Celtic’s under 21 side ran out convincing 4-1 winners in the game played at Dens Park, Dundee on Monday evening.

Celtic’s side contained some well known names such as Berkovic, Healy, Kerr & Wieghorst.

Forza HJK (the official HJK Fan Club) welcomes all Fans in Helsinki for the UEFA Cup game second leg on Thursday.

To make your visit easier and hopefully also more enjoyable, we have prepared, on our web site at http://come.to/ForzaHJK , a rather extensive info package for you. You'll find information about HJK, our squad, stadium, fan club, as well as Helsinki: where you could stay, eat, drink, how you move around etc. etc.

We are also planning to have a friendly fan game against Celtic Fans, on Wednesday night at 8 PM. Yes, we know most of you will probably only arrive on Thursday, but there are several reasons for the game being on Wednesday. So, if you are interested in playing in Helsinki and are available on Wednesday night, please see our site for details.

Cheers, Markku Pihlaja Secretary Forza HJK

MONDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2000

HJK HELSINKI

Celtic’s opponents recorded an easy 4-0 nil win yesterday in the Finnish Cup, judging by reports only a handful of spectators turned up to watch the game. Finnish Cup 2000 Finnair Stadium FC HJK - FF Jaro 4-0 (1-0) 28' Luiz Antonio (Sami Ylä-Jussila) 1-0 53' Toni Kallio (Sami Ylä-Jussila) 2-0 64' Toni Kallio (Paulus Roiha) 3-0 88' Markus Heikkinen (Hannu Haarala) 4-0

SUNDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2000

12 IN A ROW

Celtic chalked up win number 12 with a very hard fought victory over Dundee, Stilian Petrov’s header separated the teams. A crowd of nearly 60,000 once again had to be patience as the hoops put Dundee through some very intense pressure.

Our lead at the top of the SPL remains intact and we now look forward to Thursday’s match in Helsinki.

MARK VIDUKA O'Leary anger as Viduka is missing Mark Viduka's talent for attracting controversy, so finely honed during his tempestuous stay at Celtic, has resurfaced within two months of moving south of the border after Leeds United admitted their £6m summer signing had temporarily gone AWOL. David O'Leary, the club's manager, disclosed last night that he had no idea either of Viduka's whereabouts or when the Australian forward would be reporting back from international duty at the Olympics. Australia played their final game against Honduras on Tuesday and O'Leary expected Viduka to be back at Elland Road with plenty of time to prepare for today's game against Derby County. Instead, Viduka will be conspicuous only by his absence at Pride Park, having seemingly been unable to get a flight between Tuesday and Thursday. "It's up to the Australian authorities to say when a player is coming back, but the player has a say in things as well," O'Leary said yesterday. "I will leave it up to you to say whether or not I'm disappointed." Leeds will wait for Viduka's explanation before deciding whether disciplinary action is necessary and he is certain to face a stern inquisition from his new employers. O'Leary was put out, to say the very least, that Viduka had chosen to play for country rather than club so soon after arriving at Elland Road in the first place. Australia were eliminated from the Olympics last weekend, having lost against Italy and Nigeria, and O'Leary had hoped Viduka would report back in time to bolster his injury-hit squad for their Champions League game with Milan on Tuesday. Instead, the Australian authorities refused to release the player, stating that they wanted to field a full-strength team for an ultimately meaningless final match against Honduras. While that did not go down well with O'Leary, he accepted it was not Viduka's doing. But the Irishman will want to know why his player did not make more strenuous efforts to return before now. The Socceroos have told Leeds they could not get an early flight and, while that might seem slightly implausible, O'Leary has privately indicated he will not fine Viduka if his story tallies.

September 23 2000 FOOTBALL

Celtic v Dundee Today: 3pm. Celtic cast an eye to the future yesterday when they launched a new internet lottery ticket that they hope will fund the club's new academy. Ironically, at the same time, one of the present successes of the youth system, Mark Burchill, was leaving to begin a three-month loan at Birmingham City. The Scotland forward, 20, broke through two years ago and has scored five times this term but is frustrated at life on the bench behind Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton. The Sweden forward, in particular, is on a streak in which he has scored twice in each of the past four matches. Lubomir Moravcik ought to return to the starting line-up after his substitute role in the win away to Dunfermline on Monday, while Dundee, deprived of Marco De Marchi and Fabian Caballero, will seek to emulate the point they took from Rangers recently.

CELTIC (probable, 4-4-2): J Gould - T Boyd, J Valgaeren, A Stubbs, S Mahe - J McNamara, P Lambert, S Petrov, L Moravcik or A Thompson - C Sutton, H Larsson.

DUNDEE (probable, 3-5-2): R Douglas - B Smith, L Wilkie, S Tweed - J Artero, I Bonetti, G Nemsadze, G Rae, S McSkimming - W Falconer, J Sara.

Referee: T Brown.

FRIDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2000

BOYD AWARDED TESTIMONIAL Celtic captain Tom Boyd has been awarded a testimonial match which could net him at least £400,000. The veteran Scotland defender's big day will take place at the end of this season, although a date and opponents for the game are yet to be confirmed. Boyd comes to the end of his contract in the summer and faces the prospect of this season being his last at Parkhead. The 35-year-old is sure to earn a huge payday as the last Celtic player to enjoy a testimonial year, Peter Grant, picked up close to £400,000 in 1997. Boyd was signed by Liam Brady from Chelsea in January 1992 and while he will have been at the club for nine-and-a-half years - not 10 as in most benefit matches - Celtic have decided to reward him for his services to the club.

MARK BURCHILL

VILLA OR BIRMINGHAM FOR BURCHILL?

"Villa swoop for Celtic's Burchill" says official site Another official site cock up, (ASTON VILLA'S THAT IS) The official webshite reported this morning that out of favour Celtic striker (yes a striker) Mark Burchill was to be signed by Villa on a three month loan with a view to a permanent move. In case you're wondering, he's going to sign for the 'Noses

Birmingham City have signed Mark Burchill on a three month loan with a view to signing on a permanent basis for one and a half million pounds. The Hoops striker has found it hard to hold down a regular first term place at Parkhead with Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton the number one pairing for boss Marton O'Neill. City boss Trevor Francis has been tracking the 20-year-old for some time and got the green light to sign him from O'Neill earlier this week after Birmingham agreed to pay a substantial loan fee. Burchill could now make his debut for the Blues against Tranmere Rovers tomorrow if he gets international clearance in time. Francis said: "If everything goes well, the move will become permanent and we have already agreed a transfer fee. "Mark is the hottest prospect in Scotland and is highly regarded up there."

CELTIC LOTTERY

Celtic have launched an internet lottery with all the proceeds going towards the development of a youth academy. Supporters can pay with their credit card on-line, with prizes starting at £400 for three winning numbers, which will be taken from the National Lottery on Saturday and Wednesday nights. Camelot currently pay just £10 for three numbers, so that's not a bad deal in itself. Of course, there will be no £20 million payout for six wining numbers, but with all the proceeds going towards the new facility being planned at Barrowfield, this latest project will attract a certain amount of interest.

THURSDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2000

TRANSFER RUMOUR UPDATES

EYAL BERKOVIC

It looks as though Blackburn has closed the door on the much talked about swap deal between Eyal Berkovic & Christian Dailly has fallen through. Graeme Souness is quoted as saying "We will not be pursuing it.

We have had a change in direction and have other irons in the fire."

IAN WALKER

Celtic have once again been linked with a guy who currently can’t get into his own 1st team for whatever reason.

No matter what you think of our current goalie Jonathan Gould surely there’s no point in pursuing a player who is no better than the guy who currently holds down that slot.

Then again are these stories true? Martin O’Neill will reveal all at tomorrow’s press briefing.

WEDNESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2000 UEFA BLOW FOR OLD FIRM BREAKAWAY

UEFA have dismissed Rangers and Celtic's hopes of being given the green light to form a new European league.

Outgoing Celtic chief executive Allan MacDonald revealed on Wednesday the Old Firm was hopeful of winning approval for the new league next month.

"If we get UEFA's blessing, the new league could be in place by July 2002," said MacDonald.

"That's what we're working towards."

But while European football's governing body said on Wednesday night they "sympathised" with the clubs' concerns, UEFA director of communications Mike Lee said: "The proposals are unlikely to be acceptable.

"They raise more questions than answers."

He added: "We are committed to maintaining the domestic leagues and the current European club competitions.

"We have listened politely to what has been said and understand the concerns of the clubs.

"We believe the current Champions League and UEFA Cup competitions to be a great success."

UEFA's reaction will come as a big blow to the two Glasgow giants and other European clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Benfica who had hoped to be involved.

MacDonald had warned "change is imperative - the future is bleak for us without it" while Rangers chairman David Murray had insisted it was inevitable that the Old Firm will leave Scottish football.

He said: "There is an inevitability that we are going to play at a higher level in a European context and we will see the value of Rangers and Celtic increase remarkably. That's the fact.

"We are going to get onto the higher level, I am sure it is going to happen.

TUESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2000

PORT GLASGOW EMERALD CSC

DERRY CITY v CELTIC (Monday 01st October 2000)

This branch has a coach going to Derry for this challenge match.

Seats are available for fans wishing to travel.

The coach leaves Port Glasgow at 6.00am on the morning of the match.

An overnight stay in Moville on a bed & breakfast basis has been arranged.

Total cost including coach, ferry & accommodation is £55 per person.

Please note that there will be a pay gate at the game on the night.

Fans interested in travelling should contact Mick Dinning by e-mail for further information.

The e-mail address is: mdinning@yahoo.com

MONDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2000

11 IN A ROW???????????????????

Tonight against Dunfermline, Celtic go for victory No.11 - a victory that would hoist Celtic back to the top of the table after being overtaken by Hibs on Saturday.

Celtic have made their best start to a campaign since the 1930s and fans are quickly forgetting the trials and tribulations caused by John Barnes, Kenny Dalglish and Mark Viduka last season

A tough test tonight will have one half of Glasgow glued to their tv's & raido's cheering on the Fifers, but if we’ve to do anything in the league this season these are the games we must win.

Fans travelling through will be right behind the bhoys and I fully expect us to reclaim our spot at the top of the SPL tonight.

SUNDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2000

TRANSFER SPECULATION

More transfer speculation in this morning’s rags with one hack claiming that boss Martin O’Neill was in Spain this weekend running the rule over American Kasey Keller.

He had Keller with him at Leicester City and is well aware of the American's star qualities. And although, ironically, O'Neill has praised current Parkhead No 1 Jonathan Gould it won't stop him moving once more for a man who has nearly 50 caps.

This hack also goes onto announce that Alan Stubbs is about to pledge his future to Celtic.

The Scouser was linked with boyhood idols Everton during the week, but he insisted: "I was amazed at how that story came out. "Quite simply, I was asked which team I supported as a lad and I said Everton. I was then asked if I would like to play for the club at some time and I said: 'Yes'. "It is absolute nonsense to say I now want to leave Celtic. The truth is, I'm enjoying myself at Parkhead.

"If I didn't want to remain at the club I probably wouldn't be here just now. But we will see what transpires around Christmas time. That is when we will be having some discussions."

SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2000 Match Reports

We are looking for individual supporters who may wish to submit match reports to our website, what we require is a fans view of how they viewed each particular game.

We would then publish this on our website for viewing to all Celtic fans across the world. This could be your chance to famous for at least a few days.

If any supporters are interested in this new venture then please contact secretary Mick Dinning by e-mail at MDINNING@YAHOO.COM

SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2000

LISBON LIONS

Congratulations to the Lisbon Lions on the launch of their brand new web site. A cracking new site for all Celtic supporters to visit. Fans across the world can now visit the site to relive the greatest moments in the clubs history. Full of facts and figures for a Celtic fans everywhere. The address of the new site is: www.thelisbonlions.com

THURSDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2000

FUEL CRISIS UPDATE

Martin O’Neill quipped yesterday that at the moment his tank was three quarters full, he added, “we’ll need a full tank to overcome the Finns”

GRANGEMOUTH REFINERY

Will Celtic get any credit for the end of the blockade, Linda Kennedy reporting live from Scotland’s largest refinery at Grangemouth on the ITN 24 hour news station said “the protesters went into (A HUDDLE) before declaring that their protest was over”. One of our largest branches GRANGEMOUTH No1 CSC may also be looking for some of the glory as the blockade comes to an end.

THURSDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2000

FUEL CRISIS UPDATE (FROM CELTIC TEAMTALK )

The weekend fixtures are still under threat despite Grangemouth refinery's blockade ending this morning at 7am. That particular plant fuels 90% of Scottish petrol stations, but as a backlog is apparent, the SPL and the SFL have decided to speak to clubs on an individual basis to ensure they have enough turnstile operators and stewards available to allow games to go ahead, even those in the first division which are predominately derby matches with not a lot of travelling involved. With the blockade being lifted, however, it's unlikely Sunday's match at Ibrox between Rangers and Hearts and Monday's game at East End Park between Dunfermline and Celtic will be affected. Aberdeen's trip to Kilmarnock must be a doubt, however, as is St Mirren's visit to Tannadice. But the games between Hibs and Motherwell and St Johnstone and Dundee look safe at the moment.

THURSDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2000

Great story from one of the football sites on the web.

Hats off to Dutch sponsors

Rangers officials had to hide boxfuls of gimmick hats from a Champions' League sponsor on Tuesday because they were in the colours of Scottish rivals Celtic.

The hats, a free gift from brewers Amstel, were meant to be distributed before Rangers' 5-0 Group D victory over Sturm Graz at Ibrox. But the gifts stayed firmly in their boxes.

The hats came in vivid green, white and yellow, resembling the colours of Glasgow's other side.

The gaffe would have been even less appreciated as Rangers fans are still recovering from a painful 6-2 defeat inflicted by Celtic 17 days ago.

One Rangers fan told the Daily Record newspaper: "You would have thought a Dutch brewer would have known better. After all Rangers have got a Dutch manager and six Dutch players."

Wednesday 13th September 2000

Injury update

Martin O’Neill will give Alan Stubbs & Bobby Petta up until the last few hours before Thursday’s UEFA cup-tie against the Finns.

These two players seem to be our only injury doubts at the moment.

Nothing new to report on the Eyal Berkovic switch to Blackburn Rovers.

TUESDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2000

WILL HE STAY OR WILL HE GO?

Whatever media station you care to believe will determine whether Eyal Berkovic will be leaving Paradise for the warmer climes of Blackburn.

Radio Clyde today reported that both clubs had agreed a fee believed to £1 million with Christian Dailly moving in the opposite direction.

Skysports.com TV on the other hand reported that although both clubs had begun negotiations no agreement had been made.

DERRY CITY v CELTIC

MONDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2000 Celtic have stepped in to help cash-strapped Northern Irish club Derry City by agreeing to stage a fund-raising match at the Brandywell Stadium. The game will be staged on October 2 and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill had no hesitation in coming to the rescue of the Londonderry outfit. O'Neill said: "We received a call from Derry City and were informed that the club was in some distress.

TUESDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2000

Uefa to rule on Euroleague proposal

Uefa will announce their decision on whether to sanction a European League – which would allow 11 out of 14 teams entry into the Champions’ League and could start in time for the 2002-03 season – next month.

Tuesday 12th September 2000

HELSINKI CHARTER CANCELLED

Our proposed joint trip with the Celtic Supporters Association has been canned for this round; the interest in the trip to Helsinki was not as high as expected. We will no doubt try and put on a flight for the next round (barring any major hiccups)

Keane To Travel are arranging day trips to the away game, with the price less than it was for Luxembourg, probably due to the threat of a rival deal from the Affiliation & Supporters Association which has now been cancelled. The number for fans wishing to travel with Keane To Travel is 01698 456400.

HELSINKI TIE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

Celtic fans can watch their side's Uefa Cup first round away leg at HJK Helsinki on live pay-per-view television. The away trip on September 28 will be screened live from the Helsinki Olympic Stadium by pay-per-view broadcaster u>direct, who upset the English FA by securing the exclusive rights to England's World Cup qualifier in Finland. The company previously showed the Bhoys' victory in its Uefa Cup pre-qualifier against AS Jeunesse Esch on August 10. Coverage starts at 5.45pm with a 6.00pm kick-off.

CIS CUP DRAW

CELTIC HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO FACE HEARTS AT TYNCASTLE IN THE QUARTER FINALS OF THE CIS CUP

MARTIN O'NEILL HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS MANAGER OF THE MONTH.

THURSDAY 07th SEPTEMBER 2000

Correction- apoligies to Chris Sutton CELTIC 4 RAITH ROVERS 0 (Johnson 2, Sutton, Thompson)

Celtic strolled into the quarter finals of the CIS cup with an easy win over Raith Rovers; the game was over as a contest by halftime when Celtic scored two goals within four minutes.

Highlight of the night was Alan Thomson’s cheeky back heel goal on his debut in front of the home support. Other scorers were Tommy Johnson (2) and Chris Sutton. The draw for the next round takes place on Thursday.

THURSDAY 07TH SEPTEMBER 2000

CIS CUP

Celtic go into tonight’s quarter final draw alongside Rangers, Hearts, Kilmarnock, St Mirren, Dundee United, Dunfermline & league leaders Hibs. News of the draw will appear here as soon as it’s made.

UEFA CUP Celtic’s opponents in next Thursday’s game are facing an injury crisis; The Finns have lost star midfielder Vesa Vesara, who has damaged knee ligaments, for at least six weeks.

The Finns have already lost midfielders Jari Ilola & Mika Lehokosku, their coach Jyrki Helikaski however is refusing to panic, saying: “Injuries make it harder but I’m happy to start with an away game even at a legendary club like Celtic”

WEDENESDAY 06TH SEPTEMBER 2000

CELTIC 4 RAITH ROVERS 0

Celtic strolled into the quarter finals of the CIS cup with an easy win over Raith Rovers; the game was over as a contest by halftime when Celtic scored two goals within four minutes.

Highlight of the night was Alan Thomson’s cheeky back heel goal on his debut in front of the home support. Other scorers were Tommy Johnson (2) and Eyal Berkovic. The draw for the next round takes place on Thursday.

TUESDAY 05TH SEPTEMBER 2000

TRANSFER RUMOURS

 Henning Berg of Manchester United whose name has been linked with the hoops recently could now be on his way to Germany. Reports this morning have hinted at a possible swap between Celtic's Eyal Berkovic and Blackburn's Christian Dailly. The story linked Scotland international Dailly with a move to Glasgow, but that was denied by both clubs this morning. Rovers boss Graeme Souness has always admired the talents of Berkovic, but he has steadfastly rejected any suggestion he was after the player he had under his charge at Southampton before selling him to West Ham. But Blackburn are struggling and Berkovic isn't guaranteed a place in Celtic's first team now Alan Thompson has arrived.

MONDAY 04TH SEPTEMBER 2000

IT’S OFFICIAL

As expected Celtic this morning released a press statement concerning the future of chief executive Allan MacDonald. The press statement read as follows: “Mr Allan MacDonald has informed the board of his intentions to resign from his position as chief executive of Celtic PLC and return to a career outside the football sector.” A further statement from the club said, “The board has asked Mr MacDonald to continue to take the lead in respect of Celtic’s interests in the restructuring of the European football league environment.”

So there you have it, just as we get off to our best start in donkey’s years our chief executive quits. We will now have the usual battery of names throwing their tuppence worth into the frame for this high profile position. I would reckon that 99.9% of Celtic fans could not give a damn who gets the job as long as Martin O’Neill is allowed to continue the rebuilding job he has started without hindrance in the background.

As for Allan MacDonald, fans should remember the good as well as bad things he done during his short stay in charge. For instance if it was not for Mr MacDonald would we still be watching the likes of Henrik Larrson plying his trade for the hoops. He has also gone some way to restoring dialogue between the various organised supporters bodies and the club, let’s hope this can continue with whoever takes over.

On the other hand we all know the lows & the lows we suffered last season under Mr Barnes & Mr Dalglish, again however Mr MacDonald was the first to hold his hand up and admit his mistakes in appointing Kenny who then in turn brought in John Barnes and his entourage. Still no point in going over old ground, Mr MacDonald has decided to go for whatever reason and we would like to thank him for the efforts he put into what after all is a huge job in which it’s almost impossible to keep everyone happy all of the time.

Martin O’Neill has come out today and said that he does not think that Allan MacDonald leaving the club will have any effect on his ability to buy and sell players at the club.

MONDAY 04TH SEPTEMBER 2000

NAMES IN THE FRAME FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE POST

The name of Adam Crozier has popped up as being the front runner for the job when as expected Allan MacDonald resigns as Celtic’s Chief Executive later today.Crozier currently holds the Chief Excutive's role with the English FA

Strange then that only last Wednesday “The Celtic View” had an exclusive interview with a certain Mr Crozier, who it seems has always been a dyed in the wool Celtic fanatic.

It is not yet clear when MacDonald will go, but the announcement will be made to the Stock Exchange in London that his involvement with the club is over. The club is also to issue an official statement on the situation.

More on this interesting story in the days to come.

SUNDAY 03rd SEPTEMBER 2000

Israel 2 Liechtenstein 0

World Cup European group seven qualifier

Scorers - Alon Mizrahi 1, Pini Balili 79

Halftime: 1-0; Attendance: 10,000

Teams: Israel: 1-Nir Davidovich, 2-Alon Harazi, 3-Ofer Talkar (15-Yossi Benayoun 66), 4-Amir Shelah, 5-Shimon Gershon, 6-Adoram Keisi, 7-Tal Banin, 8-Avi Nimni, 9-Idan Tal (13-Pini Balili 77), 10-Eyal Berkovic (14-Itzik Zohar 81), 11-Alon Mizrahi. Liechtenstein: 1-Peter Jehle, 2-Jurgen Ospelt, 3-Martin Stocklasa (13-Thomas Hanselmann 86), 4-Patrik Hefti, 5-Harald Zech, 6-Daniel Hasler, 7-Christoph Frick (15-Patrick Burgmeier 46), 8-Mario Frick, 9-Thomas Beck, 10-Martin Telser, 11-Martin Stocklasa (14-Patrick Burgmeier 86). Referee: Richard O'Hanlon (Ireland)

SUNDAY 03RD SEPTEMBER 2000

MacDONALD FOR THE OFF?

Unconfirmed reports in today’s Scotland on Sunday that Celtic’s Chief Executive Alan MacDonald is ready to jump ship.

It’s been reported that the club will inform the London Stock Exchange of their plans on Monday 04th September.

More news on this as things become clearer.

SUNDAY 03RD SEPTEMBER 2000

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

Celts on international duty last night had mixed fortunes playing in world cup qualifying group games.

Azerbaijan 0 Sweden 1

Sweden with Henrik Larrson & Johan Mallaby both playing secured a 1-0 win in Baku over Azerbaijan. "Our game was nothing to talk about, but the three points was the most important thing," said Johan Mjallby. "But I hope that we'll play much better in the future matches."

Sweden: Hedman, Nilsson, P Andersson, Bjorklund, Mellberg, Alexandersson, Mjallby, Ljungberg, A Svensson (Mild 76), K Andersson, Larsson.

Belgium 0 Croatia 0 Celtic’s Joos Valgaeren was looking after Suker and rarely looked in trouble.

Belgium: De Vlieger, Van Meir, Valgaeren, Van Kerckhoven, Deflandre, Goor (Mark Hendrikx, 88), Verheyen, Wilmots, Vanderhaeghe, Emile Mpenza (Mbo Mpenza, 75), Strupar (Bob Peeters, 60).

Norway 0 Armenia 0

Vidar Riseth played in this game and had the luxury of a place in the starting line up Norway: Olsen, Bergdolmo, Hoftun, Berg, Riseth, Iversen, Mykland, Skammelsrud, Leonhardsen, Solskjaer, Flo.

Bulgaria 0 Czech Republic 1 The Bulgarians only created two real chances in the first half: in the 35th minute M.Petrov, brought on for the ineffective Jovov after half an hour, broke past Fukal but scuffed his shot. Bulgaria: Zdravkov, Stojanov, Kirilov (Topuzukov, 77), Markov, Peiev, S. Petrov. B Ivanov, Balakov, Iliev, Todorov (G Ivanov, 64), Jovov (M Petrov, 33).

Israel v Liechtenstein (being played today)

Israeli coach Richard Nilsen has a squad of 18 players to choose from, although only one, Celtic’s Eyal Berkovic, plays his club football outside of Israel.

Israel (probable): Elimelech, Talker, Gershon, Shelach, Amsalem, Banin, Benayoun, Berkovic, Nimni, Blili, Mizrahi.

SATURDAY 02nd SEPTEMBER 2000

CELTS ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY

Several Celtic players are on international duty today for their respective countries, some of the players such as Eyal Berkovic & Vidar Riseth will get much needed games as they have started very few games under new boss Martin O’Neill. I will update the news from the various games involving Celtic players when it becomes available.

Friday 01st September 2000

BURCH ON MARK

Celtic's want away striker Mark Burchill scored the second goal in Scotland's U21 game against Latvia. Burchill scored from a free kick in 58 mins, Scotland won the game 3-1.

Friday 01st September 2000

RAFAEL AWAY????????

What’s that saying again, “don’t believe everything you read in the papers” I think that should now be changed to don’t believe anything you hear on the radio. Hugh Keevins of Association fame was glad to inform us this morning on RADIO RANGERS that Celtic had off loaded Rafael and he was on his way to Sao Paolo on a year’s loan. Martin O’Neill quipped at today’s press conference that Rafael must have a brother who plays for Celtic as someone very like him was at training today. TESTING – TESTING 6-2 6-2 TESTING – TESTING 6-2

HJK manager gets the fear ahead of UEFA Cup tie

The coach of Celtic's UEFA Cup opponents labelled a tape of the Parkhead club's routing of Rangers an X-certificate video nasty. Veteran HJK Helsinki boss Jyrki Heliskoski had a copy of the 6-2 match flown in ahead of facing Martin O'Neill's side in the UEFA Cup first round. "Everyone knows Rangers are a Champions League team and are expected to do well, but Celtic not only beat them but won 6-2 - that's something special. Well said Mr. Heliskoski, maybe we’ll see you in Helsinki after the game for a beer or two and we can tell you all about the DEMOLITION DERBY. TESTING – TESTING 6-2 6-2 TESTING – TESTING 6-2

TRANSFER UPDATES

Celtic has completed the signings of Alan Thompson & Didier Agathe from Aston Villa & Hibs respectively. Former Bolton star Thompson has signed a five year deal costing the club in the region of £2.75m, the deal to bring French forward Agathe from Hibs is thought to have cost Celtic just £50,000, the player has signed a three year deal. In terms of playing in this seasons UEFA cup ties Thompson has no chance as he has already appeared for Villa in an Intertoto Cup tie, Agathe on the other hand is eligible to play if selected by boss Martin O’Neill.

It has also been reported that Celtic’s Brazilian player Rafael has gone back to Brazil on a year loan deal with Sao Paolo.

The affiliation welcome’s Martin O’Neill’s two new signings, now we’ll wait for the rags to start selling off Riseth, Burchill, Berkovic and anyone else they think deserves a mention.

Strange that David Murray preempted John Hartson’s failed medical and the media did not even comment, still we shouldn’t be too critical they did spend £4m after all: Testing - Testing 6-2, 6-2

SIGNINGS IMMINENT?

Celtic are close to signing two if not three new players as Martin O’Neill tries to beef up the squad before the UEFA cup transfer deadline.

The three players are Alan Thompson of Aston Villa, a fee has been agreed between both clubs of £2.75 million, some loose ends require to be finalised.

Hibs' French striker Didier Agathe is the second player who looks to be on his way to Celtic Park and finally Henning Berg of Manchester United name has cropped up again, this one looks unlikely to go through.

More details as they become available.