The Bhoys Are Back On Track

Wins Against QPR And The Posh See Celtic 'Do The Double' In England

Jiri Jarosik, looping home a header at Celtic Park in the 3-0 win over The Dons, vows to fight for his place (SNS)

By Tony Quinn

Celtic's first of two friendlies in England last week resulted in a 2-1 victory as Jim O'Brien's second-half volley gave the Hoops a 2-1 win at Peterborough. The young midfielder's volley after 53 minutes was the difference between the sides after Aaron McLean had cancelled out Scott McDonald's opener.

In the second friendly at Loftus Road, on-trial Andrea Capone helped his chances of securing a deal at Parkhead with a goal in a 5-1 victory at QPR. Capone's long-range effort opened the scoring for the Bhoys midway through the first half. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink missed a penalty before scoring twice and new signings Scott Brown and Scott McDonald also got on the scoresheet. Kieron St Aimie grabbed a consolation for the London Hoops.

After the game Gordon Strachan was pleased with the victory and praised the Loftus Road crowd. Strachan found plenty of positives in the game. "It was a good performance. We played quite well at Peterborough the other night there and we had a good training session on Saturday, and a great work-out today. I think everybody enjoyed it. It was a fantastic crowd - a great following again from our supporters - and everyone saw a lot of good football." Rangers boss John Gregory was also impressed by the Bhoys. He said: "We are gearing up for August 11 so today was just a training exercise in many respects. But it was certainly a very difficult game to play in because of the quality of the opposition. Celtic played outstandingly well."

Strachan was also impressed with Andrea Capone's showing at Loftus Road and is now assessing the merits of signing the player. "Andrea was part of a good team performance and he did his chances no harm at all," said Strachan. "What I have to ask myself is what benefit Andrea will bring to the squad. All the players got plus marks for the performances they put in against QPR and it was great for the new signings to find out what it means to be part of this club."

Former Bhoy and current Sunderland boss Roy Keane is considering a move for former Celtic team-mate Bobo Balde. Keane has been desperately trying to add to his defense and reports claim that Keane has already made an approach for the Guinean and Celtic are willing to sell. However, Balde is understood to be keen on staying at Celtic Park, where he still has two years remaining on his contract.

Gordon Strachan has knocked-back an approach by Fulham for left-back Lee Naylor. The English Premier League outfit's manager, Laurie Sanchez, said: "I made an inquiry to Gordon about Lee Naylor. But that was as far as it got, because Gordon immediately told me that the player wasn't available for transfer. That was the end of the matter."

Bournemouth have signed former Celtic right-back Paul Telfer. The 34-year-old has agreed a one-year contract despite announcing his retirement in April. Telfer, who began his career with Luton Town in 1988, also had spells with Coventry City and Southampton before joining Celtic in July 2005. The defender, who can also play on the right side of midfield, won one international cap for Scotland in a friendly against France in 2002.

Aston Villa striker Shaun Maloney will not be returning to Celtic despite increased speculation surrounding his future. The Scotland international, 24, was lured to Villa Park in January by former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill for a fee of £1m. Gordon Strachan has not ruled out a move for Maloney. But his agent John Halliwell: "There is always talk about Shaun because he is a talented player but this is completely made up. All this talk about Shaun being unhappy is news to me but there's nothing in it. The last conversation I had with Celtic was in January." When questioned about the rumors linking Maloney with a shock return to the Scottish champions, Strachan said: "It would be unfair of me to talk about that - he's signed to another club."

Thomas Gravesen and Jiri Jarosik have vowed to fight for their places this season. Gravesen will snub the chance to return to England with Sheffield United, according to his agent John Sivebaek. Sivebaek said the midfield hardman was not willing to swap Champions League football for a move to the Blades. "I don't think Thomas wants to join Sheffield United," Sivebaek said. "They are just playing in the Championship. Thomas wants to stay at Celtic and fight for his place as we have stated all the time." Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Jarosik has vowed to battle for first-team chances at Parkhead. "Celtic are a massive club and I would not like to make a step down,"

Jarosik said. "I believe that I can win a place in the starting line-up even though there is, I guess, 12 midfielders. I am 29 and I would like to play two or three years for such a big club like Celtic. Only then would I consider a move to a country where I could win the fifth title."

Newcastle are hoping to beat Celtic to the signature of highly-rated Nice full-back Rod Fanni, according to the player's agent. Fanni has a host of clubs in his homeland tracking him, but has his heart set on a move to England, with the Magpies leading the race for his signature.