Derry City's Pat McCourt Signs For The Bhoys

Celtic Earn £10.3 Million From Champions League

By Tony Quinn

Billy McNeill has added an honorary degree from Glasgow University to the many awards he has picked up in his lifetime. McNeill and fellow MBE John Greig, both received gowns and diplomas recognizing the contribution they have made to the game in general and, in particular, the clubs they have devoted a lifetime to. McNeill said. "It was always important for me to help Celtic beat Rangers but if we lost a derby then I wanted to go down with dignity. We were keen adversaries but that didn't stop me from becoming friends with Greigy or Jim Baxter or Davie Wilson who became a good pal of mine."

Celtic have completed the signing of winger Pat McCourt from Derry City. The 24-year-old international has agreed a three-year deal with the champions. "This is a dream come true for me," McCourt told the Celtic website. "There was interest from a few clubs but as soon as I found out that Celtic were in for me, my mind was made up. I have always been a Celtic supporter." The winger, who can play on either side, added: "I'm joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. Celtic have won the SPL title three times in a row and compete in the Champions League every season. What more could you ask for? My first target is to get a good pre-season under my belt and then take it from there. The quality in the Celtic squad is unbelievable but I'll be trying to push my way into the manager's plans as soon as possible. I can't wait to get started."

Reports say the agent for Austrian international Martin Stranzl has claimed there is interest from Celtic in the 28-year old Spartak Moscow central defender. There are claims that Celtic "are ready to launch a £3.5million bid to test Russian resolve to hang onto" 6ft 3in Martin Stranzl. Aston Villa, Everton and Galatasaray are also reportedly interested. Martin Stranzl's agent Thomas Boehm said: "We know there is interest from Celtic. They are looking for a centre back, so I'm not surprised they are interested in Stranzl." Thomas Boehm continued: "We know Gordon Strachan and his head scout were in Austria to watch Martin. Now we will wait and see what happens next."

Nantes have joined the list of clubs reportedly interested in Croatian international striker Ivan Klasnic, who is one of several Croatian internationals recently linked with Celtic. Celtic, Wigan, Borussia Dortmund, Porto, Besiktas and Olympiakos are reportedly interested in 28-year old Ivan Klasnic, who has confirmed he will be leaving Werder Bremen when his contract expires this summer.

Figures released by UEFA show Celtic benefited from their second successive qualification for the knock-out phase to the tune of £10.3million. Rangers earned £7.7million from their involvement in the Champions League group stages, though they also brought in £4.1million from their run to the UEFA Cup final. Gate receipts brought both clubs significant additional income, however the difference in earnings potential between the UEFA Cup and Champions League is shown clearly in the financial showings of the finalists in both competitions. European champions Manchester United, unsurprisingly, were by far the biggest earners with £33.9million while beaten finalists Chelsea were next with £28.7million, Liverpool took £21.1million and Arsenal £18.3million. The difference compared to the sums earned from the UEFA Cup is stark. Apart from Rangers, Everton's income from the competition was £400,000, Tottenham and Bolton each earned £352,000 and Aberdeen received just £265,000 for TV and sponsorship. With the four English clubs earning a total of £102million and Celtic and Rangers picking up a further £18million, 26% of the £462million total Champions League television and sponsorship revenues ended up in British hands.

Cagliari player Daniele Conti has been speaking about a potential move to Parkhead. The 29-year-old midfielder said: "It is true the Scottish side requested information about my situation. When a team of such standing and history shows an interest in you it is pleasing and shows you are doing something good for your club. But I want to continue to wear the Cagliari jersey."

Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan has demanded a show of loyalty from James McFadden, telling the striker he will not be allowed to join Celtic. McFadden only joined Blues in January, but after the Midlands club plummeted into The Championship the Scot wants a move away, according to his agent Willie McKay. McKay was quoted as saying McFadden 'wants to leave' in order to 'play at the highest level', and Celtic's reported £5.5 million will have tempted the Scotland international, who grew up a Bhoys fan. Sullivan has assured Blues fans McFadden will not be sold. "We have gone down with a good team and only gone down by one point," he said. "We believe all the players who have taken us down have a responsibility to take us back up and that is what we are asking them. We are owed a debt and I have no doubt that James McFadden will honor that. He is not for sale. He gets on well with the manager and will be a key player for us. The player will not be sold - he will play in the first team and do his best."