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Scottish Premier League News 2003/04
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Kaunas v Celtic
Wednesday Jul 30 2003 20.00
CL Second qualifying round first leg
Celtic's Champions League second qualifying round first leg tie with the Lithuanian champions has been overshadowed by the sudden death of their striker Audrius Slekys.
The club's top-scorer was killed in a car accident on Sunday and Henrik Larsson is surprised that the match was going ahead just days after the shocking news.
"It must be awful for the players and the staff here and I'm a little surprised that it wasn't actually called off," he said.
Celtic captain Paul Lambert offered his condolences to Slekys' family and the club.
"It's really tragic," he said. "I never knew what had happened until yesterday (Monday), but for this to happen is just tragic.
"It's an incredibly great shame, but we've got to get on with it now and try to get a good result.
If they come through against Kaunas, Celtic will face either MTK Hungaria or HJK Helsinki in the final qualifying round.
But having been denied a place in the group stages last season by Basle, the midfielder knows that nothing is guaranteed in European football.
"I don't really know too much about them. I've maybe seen one of their games, but this is not as easy as people are thinking," he said.
"Nobody is looking towards the next game because we must just concentrate on this one - just look what happened at Basle last year.
"People thought we were going to go through easily and this isn't going to be easy either. Basle beat Liverpool and proved they are a right good side. This is just as hard."
Lambert is still to reveal his decision whether or not to quit the international scene - but he admitted that he had made his mind up.
"I know what I'm doing," he said. "But he (Berti Vogts) will tell you when he comes back from his holiday - I will speak to him first."
Martin O'Neill has injury worries with Johan Mjallby and Joos Valgaeren fighting to be fit.
He is already without defensive giant Bobo Balde and he is keeping his fingers crossed that he will have an experienced back line available.
"I hope Joos and Johan are back after missing last week's second game against Boca Juniors," he said.
"They will do a bit of training and I'll see how they are. Obviously with Bobo suspended I wouldn't want the pair of them to be missing."
Kaunas v Celtic
Wednesday Jul 30 2003 20.00
CL Second qualifying round first leg
Celtic's Champions League second qualifying round first leg tie with the Lithuanian champions has been overshadowed by the sudden death of their striker Audrius Slekys.
The club's top-scorer was killed in a car accident on Sunday and Henrik Larsson is surprised that the match was going ahead just days after the shocking news.
"It must be awful for the players and the staff here and I'm a little surprised that it wasn't actually called off," he said.
Celtic captain Paul Lambert offered his condolences to Slekys' family and the club.
"It's really tragic," he said. "I never knew what had happened until yesterday (Monday), but for this to happen is just tragic.
"It's an incredibly great shame, but we've got to get on with it now and try to get a good result.
If they come through against Kaunas, Celtic will face either MTK Hungaria or HJK Helsinki in the final qualifying round.
But having been denied a place in the group stages last season by Basle, the midfielder knows that nothing is guaranteed in European football.
"I don't really know too much about them. I've maybe seen one of their games, but this is not as easy as people are thinking," he said.
"Nobody is looking towards the next game because we must just concentrate on this one - just look what happened at Basle last year.
"People thought we were going to go through easily and this isn't going to be easy either. Basle beat Liverpool and proved they are a right good side. This is just as hard."
Lambert is still to reveal his decision whether or not to quit the international scene - but he admitted that he had made his mind up.
"I know what I'm doing," he said. "But he (Berti Vogts) will tell you when he comes back from his holiday - I will speak to him first."
Martin O'Neill has injury worries with Johan Mjallby and Joos Valgaeren fighting to be fit.
He is already without defensive giant Bobo Balde and he is keeping his fingers crossed that he will have an experienced back line available.
"I hope Joos and Johan are back after missing last week's second game against Boca Juniors," he said.
"They will do a bit of training and I'll see how they are. Obviously with Bobo suspended I wouldn't want the pair of them to be missing."
Captain Shamrock
Well-Known Member
Celtic is going to have a very tough game tomorrow. It is amazing what emotions can do for a team. As for Hartson, they should sell the fat tub of shite. 4 million pounds? Fcuk, we could be two Hakan Yakin's for that price. I will believe that when I see it on the BBC website, not the Daily Express. I'm not questioning your integrity, Steve1234, just the Daily Express. 
I would be very happy with at 1 goal win tomorrow and possibly even a tie, so we can finish them off at Parkhead.
Hail! Hail!
I would be very happy with at 1 goal win tomorrow and possibly even a tie, so we can finish them off at Parkhead. Hail! Hail!
Captain Shamrock
Well-Known Member
Well done, Lean. Good to see you following the proper team in Glasgow now. I knew all along that you were really a Bhoys fan. Here is a little write-up on the match....
Kaunas 0-4 Celtic
Larsson 12
Sutton 28
Maloney 54
Miller 87
Wednesday Jul 30 2003 19.00
CL Second qualifying round first leg
It took Henrik Larsson just 13 minutes of the new campaign to make more goalscoring history as Celtic all but made it through to the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
The former Swedish international equalled the British record of 30 goals in Europe for a single club, held by former Liverpool striker Ian Rush and Leeds legend Peter Lorimer.
Chris Sutton and Shaun Maloney also opened their season accounts early, and Liam Miller also netted to virtually assure Celtic of a final qualifier against the winners of the MTK Hungaria v HJK Helsinki tie.
The Glasgow giants will now be expected to reach the money-spinning group stages after avoiding disaster in this potentially tricky hurdle.
Martin O'Neill was anxious about coming to Lithuania so early especially with their unknown opponents vowing to pull off a shock victory for former striker Audrius Slekys, who was killed in a car crash on Sunday night.
But he need not have worried as his players showed great attitude to comfortably sweep their opponents aside in the the St Dariaus and Giremo Stadium.
Goalkeeper Robert Douglas, whose position as Celtic's number one was the subject of much debate prior to kick-off, hardly had a save to make.
He started the new season as first-choice as O'Neill went with almost the same UEFA Cup final side with the only change being Stanislav Varga in for the suspended Bobo Balde.
The selection of the Scotland goalkeeper came as a shock having been axed after his mistakes cost the Glasgow giants European glory in Seville less than three months ago.
Swedish international Magnus Hedman had looked to have emerged from a miserable season with injuries to take pole position, but he had to make do with a place on the bench.
After a 10-second silence the visitors, in their new black away shirts, almost made a dream start after just four minutes.
Didier Agathe clipped the ball through to Neil Lennon and his shot past goalkeeper Gytis Padimanskas looked destined for the back of the net, but Irmantas Zelmikas was quick to spot the danger and got back to put the ball behind for a corner.
But the Kaunas number one did much better five minutes later to deny Celtic a deserved lead.
Sutton and Larsson combined on the edge of the box, after Alan Thompson's long ball, but Padimanskas threw himself to his left to parry the Englishman's volley.
But it did not take long for the former Feyenoord man to make more history by equalling Lorimer and Rush's British record of 30 goals in European competition for one club.
The home defence made a hash of Thompson's corner and Larsson showed he was as razor-sharp as ever, despite the season only just starting, to sweep the ball home.
Sutton then doubled the Scottish side's lead in the 29th minute after he capitalised on another terrible blunder by Padimanskas to stroke the ball home from close range.
Celtic seemed to take their foot off the gas after the half-time introduction of Shaun Maloney for Lennon - but the visitors extended their lead further with a fluent passing move which was started by Thompson's ball out wide to Larsson.
The Swede in-turn steered the ball inside to Maloney, but despite having a lot to do Maloney comfortably raced beyond the Kaunas defence before casually guiding the ball past the hand of Padimanskas and into the bottom corner from six yards.
Kaunas' frustration at their lack of any chances boiled over in the 68th minute when Gedgaudas was booked for hacking at Thompson, who was also cautioned for his reaction.
Larsson was within inches of beating the record with a right-foot shot which whistled past the upright from the edge of the box in the 70th minute.
O'Neill clearly felt the tie was in the bag as he brought on Miller and Jamie Smith for Sutton and Thompson.
Giedrius Barevicius tried to give the home side some hope with a rare shot on goal in the 75th minute, but Douglas was alert to make a comfortable save.
Celtic could afford to take Larsson off for the last 12 minutes and go down to 10 men - and there was also time for Miller to score his first competitive goal for Celtic after converting Maloney's cross from close range with five minutes remaining.
I knew all along that you were really a Bhoys fan. Here is a little write-up on the match....Kaunas 0-4 Celtic
Larsson 12
Sutton 28
Maloney 54
Miller 87
Wednesday Jul 30 2003 19.00
CL Second qualifying round first leg
It took Henrik Larsson just 13 minutes of the new campaign to make more goalscoring history as Celtic all but made it through to the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
The former Swedish international equalled the British record of 30 goals in Europe for a single club, held by former Liverpool striker Ian Rush and Leeds legend Peter Lorimer.
Chris Sutton and Shaun Maloney also opened their season accounts early, and Liam Miller also netted to virtually assure Celtic of a final qualifier against the winners of the MTK Hungaria v HJK Helsinki tie.
The Glasgow giants will now be expected to reach the money-spinning group stages after avoiding disaster in this potentially tricky hurdle.
Martin O'Neill was anxious about coming to Lithuania so early especially with their unknown opponents vowing to pull off a shock victory for former striker Audrius Slekys, who was killed in a car crash on Sunday night.
But he need not have worried as his players showed great attitude to comfortably sweep their opponents aside in the the St Dariaus and Giremo Stadium.
Goalkeeper Robert Douglas, whose position as Celtic's number one was the subject of much debate prior to kick-off, hardly had a save to make.
He started the new season as first-choice as O'Neill went with almost the same UEFA Cup final side with the only change being Stanislav Varga in for the suspended Bobo Balde.
The selection of the Scotland goalkeeper came as a shock having been axed after his mistakes cost the Glasgow giants European glory in Seville less than three months ago.
Swedish international Magnus Hedman had looked to have emerged from a miserable season with injuries to take pole position, but he had to make do with a place on the bench.
After a 10-second silence the visitors, in their new black away shirts, almost made a dream start after just four minutes.
Didier Agathe clipped the ball through to Neil Lennon and his shot past goalkeeper Gytis Padimanskas looked destined for the back of the net, but Irmantas Zelmikas was quick to spot the danger and got back to put the ball behind for a corner.
But the Kaunas number one did much better five minutes later to deny Celtic a deserved lead.
Sutton and Larsson combined on the edge of the box, after Alan Thompson's long ball, but Padimanskas threw himself to his left to parry the Englishman's volley.
But it did not take long for the former Feyenoord man to make more history by equalling Lorimer and Rush's British record of 30 goals in European competition for one club.
The home defence made a hash of Thompson's corner and Larsson showed he was as razor-sharp as ever, despite the season only just starting, to sweep the ball home.
Sutton then doubled the Scottish side's lead in the 29th minute after he capitalised on another terrible blunder by Padimanskas to stroke the ball home from close range.
Celtic seemed to take their foot off the gas after the half-time introduction of Shaun Maloney for Lennon - but the visitors extended their lead further with a fluent passing move which was started by Thompson's ball out wide to Larsson.
The Swede in-turn steered the ball inside to Maloney, but despite having a lot to do Maloney comfortably raced beyond the Kaunas defence before casually guiding the ball past the hand of Padimanskas and into the bottom corner from six yards.
Kaunas' frustration at their lack of any chances boiled over in the 68th minute when Gedgaudas was booked for hacking at Thompson, who was also cautioned for his reaction.
Larsson was within inches of beating the record with a right-foot shot which whistled past the upright from the edge of the box in the 70th minute.
O'Neill clearly felt the tie was in the bag as he brought on Miller and Jamie Smith for Sutton and Thompson.
Giedrius Barevicius tried to give the home side some hope with a rare shot on goal in the 75th minute, but Douglas was alert to make a comfortable save.
Celtic could afford to take Larsson off for the last 12 minutes and go down to 10 men - and there was also time for Miller to score his first competitive goal for Celtic after converting Maloney's cross from close range with five minutes remaining.
from the Telegraph;
England's Old Firm lure
By Andrew Lomax (Filed: 31/07/2003)
Celtic and Rangers have the potential to challenge for the Premiership title - if they were allowed to play in England, according to a survey.
The latest Deloitte and Touche Annual Review of Football Finance, which analysed the 2001-02 season, reinforced the Premiership's image as one of the richest competitions in the globe.
But it is a gravy train for which the Old Firm have so far been refused a ticket. And the consequences of that refusal could not have been more starkly underlined by the fact that Rangers posted a British record operating loss, of £19 million.
Celtic were less badly hit, financially, recording operating profits of £5.4 million and a £3million pre-tax loss. However, a survey spokesman said the Old Firm could expect significant boost in income by joining the Premiership, particularly through broadcasting where they would each be at least £10 million better off every year.
"Both would compete comfortably with the big seven Premiership clubs for audience share.
"With the knock-on benefits, to merchandising and other commercial income, in the Premiership, both could expect to challenge the big clubs financially, off the pitch as well as on it."
The spokesman continued: "Comparing the average Premier League club with the Old Firm in Glasgow gives contrasting results.
"With reported turnovers, respectively, of £57 million and £45 million, Celtic and Rangers would sit comfortably in the Premier League.
"They would dwarf anything in the Football League, where the largest income was £28million at Manchester City - now of course a Premiership club.
"The story is slightly different at the operating profit level. Celtic performed above the Premiership average but this contrasts sharply with Rangers.
"An operating loss of £19 million is a record for a British club and nearly twice that of Fulham.
"This flows into pre-tax losses, where Rangers have reported a loss of £35 million."
An American company, Las Vegas Sands Inc, has approached Rangers and Celtic as part of plans to introduce casinos at a number of top-flight football grounds.
Pity they didn't have the casinos at Celtic Park during the Captain's last visit. We could have bought Raul. But of course we wouldn't have.
England's Old Firm lure
By Andrew Lomax (Filed: 31/07/2003)
Celtic and Rangers have the potential to challenge for the Premiership title - if they were allowed to play in England, according to a survey.
The latest Deloitte and Touche Annual Review of Football Finance, which analysed the 2001-02 season, reinforced the Premiership's image as one of the richest competitions in the globe.
But it is a gravy train for which the Old Firm have so far been refused a ticket. And the consequences of that refusal could not have been more starkly underlined by the fact that Rangers posted a British record operating loss, of £19 million.
Celtic were less badly hit, financially, recording operating profits of £5.4 million and a £3million pre-tax loss. However, a survey spokesman said the Old Firm could expect significant boost in income by joining the Premiership, particularly through broadcasting where they would each be at least £10 million better off every year.
"Both would compete comfortably with the big seven Premiership clubs for audience share.
"With the knock-on benefits, to merchandising and other commercial income, in the Premiership, both could expect to challenge the big clubs financially, off the pitch as well as on it."
The spokesman continued: "Comparing the average Premier League club with the Old Firm in Glasgow gives contrasting results.
"With reported turnovers, respectively, of £57 million and £45 million, Celtic and Rangers would sit comfortably in the Premier League.
"They would dwarf anything in the Football League, where the largest income was £28million at Manchester City - now of course a Premiership club.
"The story is slightly different at the operating profit level. Celtic performed above the Premiership average but this contrasts sharply with Rangers.
"An operating loss of £19 million is a record for a British club and nearly twice that of Fulham.
"This flows into pre-tax losses, where Rangers have reported a loss of £35 million."
An American company, Las Vegas Sands Inc, has approached Rangers and Celtic as part of plans to introduce casinos at a number of top-flight football grounds.
Pity they didn't have the casinos at Celtic Park during the Captain's last visit. We could have bought Raul. But of course we wouldn't have.
Jul 30 2003
O'Neill warns Celts stars their time may be up as he pledges to splash out
Keith Jackson In Kaunas
MARTIN O'NEILL last night promised to launch a late summer spending spree - and warned his UEFA Cup heroes to start playing for their futures.
The Celtic manager flew to Lithuania yesterday to prepare his side for tonight's opening Champions League qualifier against an FBK Kaunas side reeling from the death of striker Audrius Slekys.
But, while his players were attempting to focus on the job in hand against such a tragic backdrop, O'Neill gave them the sharpest of reminders of his plans to drive the club forward.
He said: "We've had three years during which time the team hasn't changed that much. There is no doubt about it - we'd like to freshen things up. There is no point on sitting on laurels.
"Last season is gone forever. We had some great memories and they might spur a couple of the players on but as far as I'm concerned it's over and now we have to try to move on.
"There are one or two players that I think might need pressure in their particular positions and it will be about how they respond to it.
"I couldn't turn round to you now and say I know what my team will be in two months' time. I have an idea about my side for tomorrow but that might not be my side in four or five weeks' time.
"For the good players that should be an incentive. If it is possible to freshen things up then the good players at this club will think: `He's not going to take my position'.
"The perfect example was Figo's reaction to Beckham signing for Real Madrid and that's the way very good players feel. They see new arrivals as additions to the squad and people who will hopefully enhance the team.
"After three seasons I just feel we need freshening up. I could freshen the side up tomorrow by buying three players but I want to improve the quality of the team.
"Anybody can fill it up with quantity but it's about trying to find quality. There is quality out there but, regardless of the transfer market supposedly taking a dip, you still have to pay for it."
O'Neill would not comment on just how close he might be to securing his top targets but clearly believes the time has come to throw down a gauntlet to the men who carried Celtic to last season's UEFA Cup Final.
Captain did you finally get through to MON. Could he be listening.
Hail.. Haill...
Parkhead
O'Neill warns Celts stars their time may be up as he pledges to splash out
Keith Jackson In Kaunas
MARTIN O'NEILL last night promised to launch a late summer spending spree - and warned his UEFA Cup heroes to start playing for their futures.
The Celtic manager flew to Lithuania yesterday to prepare his side for tonight's opening Champions League qualifier against an FBK Kaunas side reeling from the death of striker Audrius Slekys.
But, while his players were attempting to focus on the job in hand against such a tragic backdrop, O'Neill gave them the sharpest of reminders of his plans to drive the club forward.
He said: "We've had three years during which time the team hasn't changed that much. There is no doubt about it - we'd like to freshen things up. There is no point on sitting on laurels.
"Last season is gone forever. We had some great memories and they might spur a couple of the players on but as far as I'm concerned it's over and now we have to try to move on.
"There are one or two players that I think might need pressure in their particular positions and it will be about how they respond to it.
"I couldn't turn round to you now and say I know what my team will be in two months' time. I have an idea about my side for tomorrow but that might not be my side in four or five weeks' time.
"For the good players that should be an incentive. If it is possible to freshen things up then the good players at this club will think: `He's not going to take my position'.
"The perfect example was Figo's reaction to Beckham signing for Real Madrid and that's the way very good players feel. They see new arrivals as additions to the squad and people who will hopefully enhance the team.
"After three seasons I just feel we need freshening up. I could freshen the side up tomorrow by buying three players but I want to improve the quality of the team.
"Anybody can fill it up with quantity but it's about trying to find quality. There is quality out there but, regardless of the transfer market supposedly taking a dip, you still have to pay for it."
O'Neill would not comment on just how close he might be to securing his top targets but clearly believes the time has come to throw down a gauntlet to the men who carried Celtic to last season's UEFA Cup Final.
Captain did you finally get through to MON. Could he be listening.
Hail.. Haill...
Parkhead
Captain Shamrock
Well-Known Member
Yes, Parkhead, the lads at the Rock Bar made him an offer he couldn't refuse. They wanted some action and apparently, they might get it.
Captain
Jinky, fcuking great logo. PER-FECT.
They wanted some action and apparently, they might get it. Captain
Jinky, fcuking great logo. PER-FECT.
Captain Shamrock
Well-Known Member
Larsson on the mend
Stephen Sullivan
Martin O’Neill today breathed a huge sigh of relief after being told that Henrik Larsson is on course to play in Celtic’s league curtain-raiser against Dunfermline.
The prolific Swede was withdrawn towards the end of last night’s Champions League second qualifier in Lithuania when, having scored the first of Celtic’s four goals in a resounding victory over Kaunas, he complained of feeling discomfort at the top of his left hamstring.
Thankfully, the initial signals suggested that significant damage had been avoided, and these were all but confirmed this morning when a further examination revealed that Larsson’s hamstring had not suffered a tear.
The injury appears, at worse, to be a minor strain and, though he will definitely miss Celtic’s glamour friendly with Arsenal on Saturday, he is expected to resume training at some stage next week.
Clearly, however, the scoreline in Lithuania last night means there is no great urgency for him to return for the second leg at Celtic Park, and Dunfermline, rather than Kaunas, will be the target in the mind of Larsson himself.
Hail! Hail!
Captain
Stephen Sullivan
Martin O’Neill today breathed a huge sigh of relief after being told that Henrik Larsson is on course to play in Celtic’s league curtain-raiser against Dunfermline.
The prolific Swede was withdrawn towards the end of last night’s Champions League second qualifier in Lithuania when, having scored the first of Celtic’s four goals in a resounding victory over Kaunas, he complained of feeling discomfort at the top of his left hamstring.
Thankfully, the initial signals suggested that significant damage had been avoided, and these were all but confirmed this morning when a further examination revealed that Larsson’s hamstring had not suffered a tear.
The injury appears, at worse, to be a minor strain and, though he will definitely miss Celtic’s glamour friendly with Arsenal on Saturday, he is expected to resume training at some stage next week.
Clearly, however, the scoreline in Lithuania last night means there is no great urgency for him to return for the second leg at Celtic Park, and Dunfermline, rather than Kaunas, will be the target in the mind of Larsson himself.
Hail! Hail!
Captain
Captain Shamrock
Well-Known Member
O'Neill promises signings
Martin O'Neill wants to strengthen Celtic's chances in Europe
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill still hopes to make signings before next week's signing deadline for European competition.
Many of the club's fans have been concerned that the side has not been strengthened since defeat in last season's Uefa Cup final.
But O'Neill has often left it late to conclude deals and looks like doing so again.
"How successful we will be will depend on a number of things, but I would like to get someone in," said O'Neill, who suggested one or two, perhaps even three, new acquisitions.
Celtic are certainties to progress to the third qualifying round for the Champions League group stage.
When you go up to Scotland, you expect a hot atmosphere
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
The Glasgow outfit defeated Kaunas of Lithuania 4-0, leaving Wednesday's second leg at Celtic Park a formality.
Now O'Neill will hope to have some new faces for the next round against either MTK Budapest or Finland's HJK Helsinki, who lost the first leg 3-1 in Hungary.
Celtic have been linked with a move for Scotland forward James McFadden, but Motherwell said on Friday that they have as yet had no approach or offer from O'Neill or his club.
There had been fears about the fitness of top scorer Henrik Larsson after the Swede pulled up with a hamstring injury during the first leg in Kaunas.
No Celtic bid for McFadden
But, following an examination on Celtic's delayed return from Lithuania, it was found that the injury was not as serious as some had feared.
Martin O'Neill wants to strengthen Celtic's chances in Europe
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill still hopes to make signings before next week's signing deadline for European competition.
Many of the club's fans have been concerned that the side has not been strengthened since defeat in last season's Uefa Cup final.
But O'Neill has often left it late to conclude deals and looks like doing so again.
"How successful we will be will depend on a number of things, but I would like to get someone in," said O'Neill, who suggested one or two, perhaps even three, new acquisitions.
Celtic are certainties to progress to the third qualifying round for the Champions League group stage.
When you go up to Scotland, you expect a hot atmosphere
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
The Glasgow outfit defeated Kaunas of Lithuania 4-0, leaving Wednesday's second leg at Celtic Park a formality.
Now O'Neill will hope to have some new faces for the next round against either MTK Budapest or Finland's HJK Helsinki, who lost the first leg 3-1 in Hungary.
Celtic have been linked with a move for Scotland forward James McFadden, but Motherwell said on Friday that they have as yet had no approach or offer from O'Neill or his club.
There had been fears about the fitness of top scorer Henrik Larsson after the Swede pulled up with a hamstring injury during the first leg in Kaunas.
No Celtic bid for McFadden
But, following an examination on Celtic's delayed return from Lithuania, it was found that the injury was not as serious as some had feared.
Arteta may still move on
Arteta deal 'back on'
Atletico Madrid could be poised to resurrect their bid for Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta.
And that would be good news for the Scottish champions' manager, Alex McLeish, who desperately needs to sell before he can bring in a defender by Thursday's Champions League signing deadline.
The Arteta deal appeared to have fallen through last month, because Rangers were not happy with the amount the Spanish club were willing to offer as a down-payment towards a deal of near £5m.
But Atletico have raised more funds through a share issue and have missed out on their main signing target, Alberto Riera, from new coach Gregorio Manzano's former club, Real Mallorca.
They are now said to be prepared to offer £2m up front and Arteta's agent, Miguel Santos, told the Marca newspaper "The idea of buying Mikel has not deceased and, now the club has more money, I expect them to act quickly."
Arteta's personal terms were also a stumbling block and that could be overcome thanks to the new cash.
Manzano appeared to have lost patience with Arteta and Rangers last month, saying that the player signed from Barcelona for £6m was no longer a priority and that he wanted to strengthen his defence instead.
Arteta had been willing to take a pay cut to join Atletico as he wanted a playmaker role, denied him by Barry Ferguson during his one season in Scotland.
The Scottish champions had also been hoping that the cash from Atletico would help finance a deal for Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, now the subject of a £2m bid from Southampton.
However, they now have made their priority a central defender to replace Amoruso, who was sold to Blackburn Rovers, and left-back cover for injury-jinxed Michael Ball.
Here's a clip from the BBC's commentary on the game, no doubt written by a hun fan or a Man U fan.
Celtic 1-1 Arsenal
Momo Sylla holds off a challenge from Arsenal's Ashley Cole
The magic of Thierry Henry and Henrik Larsson was badly missed
as the second best clubs from England and Scotland finished level
at Celtic park.
Arteta deal 'back on'
Atletico Madrid could be poised to resurrect their bid for Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta.
And that would be good news for the Scottish champions' manager, Alex McLeish, who desperately needs to sell before he can bring in a defender by Thursday's Champions League signing deadline.
The Arteta deal appeared to have fallen through last month, because Rangers were not happy with the amount the Spanish club were willing to offer as a down-payment towards a deal of near £5m.
But Atletico have raised more funds through a share issue and have missed out on their main signing target, Alberto Riera, from new coach Gregorio Manzano's former club, Real Mallorca.
They are now said to be prepared to offer £2m up front and Arteta's agent, Miguel Santos, told the Marca newspaper "The idea of buying Mikel has not deceased and, now the club has more money, I expect them to act quickly."
Arteta's personal terms were also a stumbling block and that could be overcome thanks to the new cash.
Manzano appeared to have lost patience with Arteta and Rangers last month, saying that the player signed from Barcelona for £6m was no longer a priority and that he wanted to strengthen his defence instead.
Arteta had been willing to take a pay cut to join Atletico as he wanted a playmaker role, denied him by Barry Ferguson during his one season in Scotland.
The Scottish champions had also been hoping that the cash from Atletico would help finance a deal for Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, now the subject of a £2m bid from Southampton.
However, they now have made their priority a central defender to replace Amoruso, who was sold to Blackburn Rovers, and left-back cover for injury-jinxed Michael Ball.
Here's a clip from the BBC's commentary on the game, no doubt written by a hun fan or a Man U fan.
Celtic 1-1 Arsenal
Momo Sylla holds off a challenge from Arsenal's Ashley Cole
The magic of Thierry Henry and Henrik Larsson was badly missed
as the second best clubs from England and Scotland finished level
at Celtic park.
Captain Shamrock
Well-Known Member
Another one bites the dust
McCann set for Saints switch
Strachan is a long-time admirer of McCann
Southampton are on the verge of signing Rangers midfielder Neil McCann after the two clubs agreed a £1.5m deal.
The 28-year-old is due to have a medical at St Mary's on Monday before signing a four-year deal with Gordon Strachan's side.
"Gordon Strachan has wanted him for a long time so I'm delighted to have got him," chairman Rupert Lowe told the club's website.
"The terms fit our salary scale so we think he will be a good acquisition.
"I am working on a couple of other things and I am hopeful of doing another deal before the start of the season."
McCann will get an early opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot with Chris Marsden sidelined for a month following a knee operation.
The Scot's arrival means the FA Cup finalists will not pursue their interest in Real Sociedad winger Javier de Pedro in the short-term.
In other news, Fernando Ricksen has admitted that he is a horrible fcuking footballer.
Rangers are also looking at two players who have been cut by Bologna and Blackburn.....Henning Berg is the trialist from Blackburn and for the cnut of me, can't remember the name of the other putz.
McCann set for Saints switch
Strachan is a long-time admirer of McCann
Southampton are on the verge of signing Rangers midfielder Neil McCann after the two clubs agreed a £1.5m deal.
The 28-year-old is due to have a medical at St Mary's on Monday before signing a four-year deal with Gordon Strachan's side.
"Gordon Strachan has wanted him for a long time so I'm delighted to have got him," chairman Rupert Lowe told the club's website.
"The terms fit our salary scale so we think he will be a good acquisition.
"I am working on a couple of other things and I am hopeful of doing another deal before the start of the season."
McCann will get an early opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot with Chris Marsden sidelined for a month following a knee operation.
The Scot's arrival means the FA Cup finalists will not pursue their interest in Real Sociedad winger Javier de Pedro in the short-term.
In other news, Fernando Ricksen has admitted that he is a horrible fcuking footballer.
Rangers are also looking at two players who have been cut by Bologna and Blackburn.....Henning Berg is the trialist from Blackburn and for the cnut of me, can't remember the name of the other putz.
How's Sellick's signings coming along? Aye, right.
In regards to McCann: paid 1.6mil six seasons ago, started 10 SPL matches last year, well down the pecking order behind Capucho and Lovenkrands and got 1.25mil in a bear market. Sounds like a good bit of business, if you ask me.
Yet ANOTHER indication of good footballers making for poor managers. You're embarrassing yourself, man.
Buckfast
In regards to McCann: paid 1.6mil six seasons ago, started 10 SPL matches last year, well down the pecking order behind Capucho and Lovenkrands and got 1.25mil in a bear market. Sounds like a good bit of business, if you ask me.
Yet ANOTHER indication of good footballers making for poor managers. You're embarrassing yourself, man.
Buckfast
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