Bhoys Drop Points Against Arabs - Graveson Off

Dundee United 1 Celtic 1

By Tony Quinn

Paul Hartley put the Hoops a goal up with a deflected goal six minutes into the second half. Thereafter United probably should have had a penalty but referee Charlie Richmond waved play on when Roy O'Donovan clashed with Gary Caldwell. A late strike by substitute Francisco Sandaza gave Dundee United a share of the points.

Gordon Strachan felt it was a "cracking game" and thought the debate over the penalty claim should have been negated by what he thought was a foul by O'Donovan on Stephen McManus. "Seconds before that the number 10 jumped into Mick [McManus], so it was a foul before that," Strachan said. "I thought we should have had that decision so we wouldn't be talking about the penalty."

Last week Celtic released their preliminary financial results which showed the Bhoys had made a profit for the second year in a row. And that means there should be cash for Gordon Strachan to make signings over the next two weeks. The results for the year ending June 2008 show profit before tax of £4.44million. That's down on last year's £15.04m but the club's bank debt is also down from £4.99m to £3.52m.

Celtic have completed the signing of Dutch centre-back Glenn Loovens to a four-year contract. The 24-year-old agreed terms after his former club, last season's English FA Cup Finalists, Cardiff City, accepted an undisclosed offer. The former Dutch Under-21 internationalist spoke of his delight in signing for the champions. "It really is a tremendous honor to sign for a club of Celtic's stature," said Loovens. "I am really looking forward to playing for a team that has such an incredible history and well-known and passionate supporters. The club has enjoyed great success in recent years, winning titles and cups in Scotland and doing well in the Champions League. I am looking forward to the challenges here and hope to play my part in further honors. I just can't wait to get started."

Thomas Gravesen's unsuccessful spell at Celtic has finally come to an end. On Monday the champions confirmed they have parted company with the Danish midfielder. The 32-year-old signed from Real Madrid in August 2006 but was unable to establish himself in the first team. He returned to former club Everton on loan last season but failed to win a permanent move to Goodison. A statement on the Celtic's website read: "Celtic Football Club, Thomas Gravesen and Thomas's representatives have agreed that he will part company with the club. Thomas wishes Celtic every success and, likewise, the club wishes Thomas all the very best for the future."

John Hartson could be set for a coaching role at Hamilton Academical. Accies manager Billy Reid sees Hartson, now a pundit for Setanta, as the man to improve the SPL new boys' fire-power for the season ahead. "We knew John was interested in the coaching side and we'd love to have him on board. He has vast experience and it would be great to bring in someone of his caliber." The Accies boss said.

Reports on Monday said Ipswich boss Jim Magilton was understood to be eyeing a swoop on Celtic for £500,000-rated New Zealand striker Chris Killen. The former Man City forward has been away at the Olympics and appears to be surplus to requirements at Parkhead.

Steve Finnan, who returns the Republic of Ireland team this week against Norway, has expressed his wish to return to first team football, but after an alleged bust-up with Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez it would seem he won't get a chance at Anfield. Gordon Strachan is still searching for a defender at a good price, and a move for Finnan may cheer up both Strachan and Benitez. James McFadden has ruled out the possibility of a move to either Rangers or Celtic.

The Birmingham playmaker has been strongly linked with the Glasgow giants in recent times, with the speculation intensifying since the Blues lost their EPL status last term. The Scotland international also went on to completely rule out a return to his homeland, insisting that he does not need the added focus which comes with representing one the Glasgow-based sides.