Late Goal Seals The Win Away To Callie Thistle

Rangers' Draw With Hearts Means The League Is All But Sown Up

At the weekend Celtic beat Inverness with goals from Derek Riordan and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who grabbed a dramatic winner in injury-time at the end of 90 minutes. However, the win came at a cost, with the Dutchman being sent of for two yellow cards - one for dissent and the other for over-celebrating his goal - and Steven Pressley, Kenny Miller and Craig Beattie all picking up injuries. After the game Gordon Strachan said. "We got disrupted three times because of injuries and it's not easy to change your plan three times." On the injuries the Celtic boss commented. "Pressley has a spasm in his back, Kenny got a knock on his hip and Beattie tweaked his hamstring, which is a shame as on Friday morning we had four strikers back fit and raring to go."

The decision to send off Vennegoor of Hesselink left Neil Lennon upset and the 35-year-old has called for officials to adopt a more understanding attitude in the future. He said: "It's just a nonsense and I think it is really petty, especially when he is running to his own fans to celebrate. What else is he meant to do? Because he has won the game for us right at the end and obviously he is ecstatic about it. People will say that the referee is doing things by the book, but I would like to think that some officials could show a little bit more common sense." Lennon also thought the Dutchman was unfortunate to have received his first caution when he protested after what appeared to be a wrongly awarded throw-in. Lennon said: "To be fair, he has been booked for telling the referee that the throw-in which led to their goal should have been ours, so I think both the bookings were a bit harsh."

Much sought after youngster, Hamilton's James McCarthy has hinted he may shun EPL interest to join Celtic. The teenager is being chased by a number of big names, including Liverpool and champions Chelsea. However, McCarthy, a Bhoy's fan, may opt to stay in Scotland as it would mean he would not have to leave home just yet. "The prospect of moving away from here and maybe down south is a lot to think about," he said. "I know I will move from Hamilton as some point but I am really enjoying it here. I think I'll be here for the rest of the season because I'll continue to develop here. I went to Celtic for two days and loved it. One advantage of going there would be that I wouldn't have to leave home yet."

Celtic will provide the opposition for the 2007 MLS All-Stars Game in the USA this summer. Gordon Strachan's men will face a representative side made up of the best players in the MLS on July 19 in Commerce City, Colorado. Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell told the Celtic website: "We are absolutely delighted to be traveling to America again this pre-season to take part in this match versus the MLS All-Stars. Celtic has a world-wide audience with thousands of fans in the United States and I'm sure this passionate support will be looking forward to welcoming the team back. Everyone at Celtic is very much looking forward to the trip." MLS Commissioner Don Gerber added: "We are thrilled to welcome Celtic, one of the world's most popular teams, for a quality match against the best of MLS at our newest soccer cathedral, Dick's Sporting Goods Park. We look forward to an exciting evening in this tremendous new soccer-specific venue. "

John Kennedy has vowed to prove the doubters wrong when he makes his first-team comeback from his career-threatening knee injury. The 23-year-old Scotland cap has undergone four operations since Romania striker Vio Ganea stamped on his knee in a friendly in March 2004. Kennedy has been building up fitness and confidence in the reserves and is determined to show people he can still play at the highest level. He said: "Even before someone has even played again, they'll say 'he's not the same player'. I just want to prove all those people wrong. Obviously it's going to take a wee bit of time to get back into the swing of things. But I've been more than happy with the way I've been feeling, the way I've been playing and my sharpness. It's been really good, I've been a bit surprised myself. There are no bad feelings in my knee any more. I didn't even notice the moment I stopped thinking about my knee. It would have been way back to pre-season. In the early days there was a bit of cotton wool treatment. For the first few months no-one was wanting to tackle me. Now people have seen that I'm fine and I'm being treated like one of the lads again. That's good, I don't want to be getting any special treatment." Kennedy has set no targets for a return to first-team action. He said: "I'll just keep plugging away in the reserves until called upon. If it comes sooner rather than later I don't mind. "