CELTIC manager Tommy Burns is close to settling new contracts with
some of the players whose current deals end this summer, but he is not
optimistic about signing a new player before the end of the month, when
the transfer deadline is reached.
''It could still happen, but it is difficult when teams don't want to
let players go at this stage of the season,'' he said.
Those seeking new deals include Brian O'Neil, Tony Mowbray, Mark
McNally, and Paul McStay. ''I would hope to have them sorted out within
the next week or so. It is not something we have been chasing every day,
but we have had talks with two or three of the players.''
McNally has been on a monthly-contract basis all season, but McStay is
coming to the end of a long contract, while Mowbray has already
indicated he wants to stay.
O'Neil is suspended for the next two games and Burns brings in McNally
and Rudi Vata to the squad to face Partick Thistle at Hampden.
Vata, the versatile Albanian, has not had a chance to show his worth
to the manager but could come into O'Neil's place but there are other
options, like McNally, or even a switch for Tommy Boyd with Peter Grant
moving to full back.
Grant was left out of the midfield in the cup-tie last week for
tactical reasons, but Burns would not say whether he would be recalled.
He has seen a fresh buoyancy in the dressing room since the cup win
over Kilmarnock. ''The atmosphere the supporters created, and the fact
that we won, has given the players a fantastic lift,'' he said, ''and
they know there is a lot to play for yet. As well as the cup semi-final
to come, we are only a point behind Hibs and we want to finish the
season with a flourish.''
He appreciates the determination being shown by Thistle as they chase
survival points. ''They work hard for each other and make it difficult
for any team.''
Thistle should have everybody available from the midweek draw with
Motherwell, although Wayne Foster has been recovering from a virus.
Manager John Lambie, who admitted during the week that his players were
a bit leg-weary after the succession of tough games they have faced,
will think about changes if only to bring in fresher legs.
Rangers manager Walter Smith, who would not comment on any of the
speculation about players he is intending to sign, has Trevor Steven and
Alex Cleland fit again, but Craig Moore and Charlie Miller are
suspended. He is not interested in revenge talk about Hearts, their
conquerors in the cup. ''The only motivation we need is the
championship. That should enough for anybody.''
Hearts will still be without suspended Craig Levein, but Jim Bett is
back after his ban, while Kevin Thomas and Brian Hamilton face fitness
tests. The match is subject to an inspection at 9am.
Aberdeen take on Hibs at Pittodrie as they continue to battle against
relegation, but the good news for caretaker manager Roy Aitken is that
he has his most experienced pool available since he took over. Striker
Duncan Shearer is fit again, and defender John Inglis back after
suspension.
''The situation we are in will be a test of character and requires
experience,'' said Aitken. ''I will be looking for the older players to
handle it. At our best, we are as good as any team in the country but so
far have not been nearly consistent enough.''
Hibs will have Pat McGinlay back after suspension.
Kilmarnock and Falkirk could put on the best show of the day, if their
3-3 draw the last time they met is a guide. Killie will have Tom Brown
back after suspension while Falkirk will have David Weir and Paul
McGrillen available after their enforced absences.
Dundee United also are in the danger zone, and caretaker manager
Gordon Wallace's first test is at Fir Park against second-top
Motherwell.
Fir Park manager Alex McLeish was due back from Holland last night
after having watched PSV Eindhoven defender Michel van der Gaag, whom he
hopes to sign for #400,000. With Chris McCart out for two weeks at least
after a cartilage operation, McLeish might want the Dutchman quicker
than he had planned.
* A touch of independence the best Bett -- Page 28.
Pitch inspections
PREMIER division -- Hearts v Rangers, 9am. First division -- Hamilton
v Dunfermline, 9.30am. Second division -- Dumbarton v Berwick, 10am.
Third division -- Ross County v Montrose, 8am.
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