Mixed Results From Celtic's First Two Friendlies

McGeady Signs New Five-Year Deal With The Bhoys

By Tony Quinn

Southampton 0 Celtic 2

Celtic beat Southampton 2-0 in Claus Lundekvam's testimonial. Saints stalwart Lundekvam was unable to mark his special occasion with a victory as Celtic scored in each half. Chris Killen scored after 26 minutes following good work by Scott McDonald, and Barry Robson netted a penalty midway through the second half after Georgios Samaras was brought down. Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier came on for a late cameo as new Celtic signing Samaras almost added a third goal.

Fulham 3 Celtic 1

It took just short of two minutes for the first goal as one of Roy Hodgson's summer recruits, Zoltan Gera, crossed to the unmarked Erik Nevland who slotted home from three yards. The hosts extended their lead against the run of play as another debut man, Bobby Zamora, who completed his switch from West Ham last week, fired home from the edge of the area after a lay-off from Nevland. Celtic finally managed to find a way through The Cottagers' defense courtesy of a set-piece, Barry Robson curling in an effort from the edge of the box to bring his side back into the match. Fulham, however, scored again, Danny Murphy working the ball to the edge of Celtic's area before Leon Andreasen thumped the ball beyond Mark Brown.

Fulham striker David Healy has apologized for the controversial flute gesture he made during last Saturday's pre-season friendly against Celtic. The gesture provoked a response from Celtic fans, and the incident has been equated to Paul Gascoigne's flute playing antics in an 1998 Glasgow derby. The player's agent originally claimed that the act was taken in jest by the travelling fans, but later the player issued an unequivocal apology. He said. "I am supposed to be a role model and I can only apologize, I can guarantee from my point of view it will never happen again." The Northern Ireland international, a Rangers fan, claimed that the Celtic fans had been abusing him and he responded. He continued: "It was one of those regrettable incidents that somebody said something and I made a silly gesture, which ultimately I regret." The Irish Football Association are planning to investigate the incident. Gary Caldwell has revealed that if he was to stay with The Bhoys for the rest of his career, he would be quite happy. Caldwell has become an integral part of the side since joining from Hibs two years ago and although he has only one year left on his current deal, the Scottish international is sure to be offered a new contract. Celtic have been linked with a number of center halves during the off season, but Caldwell is willing to battle for his place to ensure his long term future at the club. "If I was to stay at Celtic all of my professional life I would think that was great," said Caldwell. "The situation is outside my control and it's up to other people to decide but I don't want to be anywhere else."

Everton manager David Moyes is in the hunt for a new striker after reports that Andrew Johnson is heading out of Goodison Park. According to media reports Moyes is interested in securing the signature of Scott McDonald who had a great debut season with Celtic, scoring 31 goals. However Gordon Strachan will not want to lose the club's top scorer even with the permanent capture of Georgios Samaras from Man City. McDonald joined the Bhoys last season in a £700,000 move from Motherwell and became an instant hit, helping Celtic to their third SPL title in a row.

Aiden McGeady has signed a new five-year contract with Celtic. The 22-year-old was voted Scotland's Player of the Year by his fellow professionals last season. McGeady's talents have not gone unnoticed in Europe either with Barcelona ace Lionel Messi claiming "he'd be successful anywhere in Europe", prior to their UEFA Champions League clash last season.

Steven Pressley is training with Doncaster Rovers in the hope of getting a move. The 34-year-old is without a club after he was released by Celtic and Rovers' boss Sean O'Driscoll has allowed him to train with the club. "I've been up-front with Steven and, at 34, he probably wasn't someone who was on our radar," admitted O'Driscoll. "When you talk to people who have played with him, and the people at Celtic, he got such a favorable opinion."