Naylor Gets His First!

Defender Scores First Goal Since His Arrival From Wolves In August 2006 - Champions Keep Pace At The Top

By Tony Quinn

Lee Naylor's first goal for Celtic helped the champions to a 2-0 SPL victory over Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday. The 27-year-old English defender, who had failed to notch since his arrival from Wolves in August 2006, drove home the opener in the 64th minute following a surging run from the middle of the park. Substitute Georgios Samaras, on for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink in the 72nd minute, scored three minutes later from an Aiden McGeady cross to secure the points. A fine win was overshadowed somewhat by the booking of Artur Boruc after the final whistle. The Poland international was shown a yellow card by referee Iain Brines for waving to the Hibs supporters who had been giving him abuse all day.

The SFA have backed referee Iain Brines after he booked Artur Boruc. The SFA insist Brines acted properly, citing their rule that a player should be booked for making "gestures which are provocative, derisory or inflammatory or intended to incite or ridicule opponents or opposing spectators". Brines said: "I clearly saw Mr Boruc make a number of gestures towards the home spectators, using his hands and arms in a fashion which could only be described as inflammatory, provoking hostile reaction from the terracings."

Reports say Spurs boss Juande Ramos is keen on bringing Aiden McGeady to White Hart Lane in the summer. The 21-year-old is one of a number of players that Ramos would like to spend his £40million war chest on this summer and a bid could be on the cards. McGeady, who has won 17 caps for Ireland, would solve Spurs' long-standing problems on the left-hand side of midfield but it remains to be seen whether a deal could be struck. Celtic will fight hard to keep hold of McGeady, who they signed as a schoolboy and helped through the ranks.

German international Andreas Hinkel left Sevilla for Celtic in the winter transfer window and he now says that this was definitely the right move to make. The 17-times capped German international said, "I'm really happy here. The people at the club are all really friendly and helpful. I'm feeling great. Celtic is the best place for me to develop as a player. Besides, I had already played in Scotland four times with different teams and seen first-hand how emotional and loyal the Celtic fans are. The green-and-white hoops are known across Europe and beyond."

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is lining up a £7million move for Scott McDonald, according to reports. Keegan is determined to breathe new life into his side and has sounded out the Parkhead favorite, who has scored 25 goals for the champions in all competitions this season. Celtic would be reluctant sellers but the prospect of cashing in on the £700,000 signing from Motherwell last year may appeal.

John Hartson has turned down the chance to become manager of Irn-Bru Third Division side East Stirlingshire. The former Celtic striker recently retired from playing after leaving West Brom. East Stirlingshire had hoped to present Hartson as their new manager this week. However, the 32-year-old rejected the chance to go into management following talks with officials from the Falkirk-based club. Director Spencer Fearn revealed: "He says he can't accept, but he was very complimentary about the club." Hartson said: "It had nothing to do with the fact that it was East Stirling - if it was the Motherwell job or Dunfermline job I was being offered I would probably have given the same answer. I had loads of friends tell me it would be a great challenge for me and I was sorely tempted to accept the offer. But the timing is just not right for me at the moment." Swansea-based Hartson is not a qualified coach but plans to gain his first badges in the summer with the Welsh FA.

Scottish police are investigating reports of racist abuse meted out to Aiden McGeady following a recent game against St Mirren. McGeady was the victim of the abuse after Celtic's 1-0 victory at Love Street on February 24th. Video footage of the incident was posted on Youtube and police have pledged to investigate. One fan was heard to shout, "F*** off you mickey b******", while another asked the Scottish-born star: "Where are you from? Castlemilk? Where is Castlemilk in Ireland? South of Dublin?" Show Racism the Red Card spokesman Tommy Breslin said: "If the person or people involved can be identified, we would hope that action is taken."