Killen Roars And Scores A Brace In Brisbane

Hartson Facing Treatment For Cancer

Chris Killen scored a brace in Celtic's opening pre-season friendly against the Brisbane Roar on Saturday, while first-choice 'keeper Artur Boruc showed exactly why he was still the number one between the posts with a fantastic performance, that included one-handed stops against strikes from Robbie Kruse and Sergio van Dijk as the game got underway.

Japanese midfielder Koki Mizuno scored Celtic's other goal in their 3-0 victory, but it was the appearance of striker Marc-Antoine Fortune in the hoops that excited the 31,000-strong crowd at Suncorp Stadium.

After the game, his first in charge of Celtic, manager Tony Mowbray defended the striker who, arriving at Parkhead just hours before taking a plane to Australia, looked a little tired: "I think he showed how strong he can be, how well he holds the ball up. We signed him the day before we came, so we didn't want to rush him into anything.

"He'll be fine, I've got no fears about his quality and he'll fit in well." Mowbray was very pleased with Boruc's performance in this game, telling reporters that: "From day one, walking in the building, I could see how good a goalkeeper Artur is really.

"He's so assured in everything he does and he's such a big presence and today he proved it on the pitch."

He was also pleased with the general level of play from the squad, saying: "We probably gave them too many opportunities in the first 10 minutes, but that's understandable after the journey and how quickly the game has come after landing.

"I thought we put a really good work ethic into it and a couple of real bits of quality scored us the goals and in any football match that's ultimately what counts." Former Arsenal and Celtic striker John Hartson has been diagnosed with testicular cancer which doctors now say has spread to his brain.

The 34-year-old was told the news on Sunday, but his consultant said that further tests were necessary and that the former Welsh international, who was capped 51 times, will face "many months" of treatment.

The doctor also confirmed that Hartson will undergo radio- and chemotherapy at Swansea's Singleton hospital, "as soon as possible."

A statement from his family said: "All the family, and John's friends, are doing all we can to support him and praying that he will make a full recovery.

"John is getting excellent care from the oncologists at the hospital as he begins his treatment.

"John is a family man and we appreciate all the messages of support we have already received."