CELTIC yesterday failed to sign Marcel Desailly, the veteran French defender, before the Champions League deadline.
Martin O'Neill is now likely to concentrate on extending the contracts of key existing players with John Hartson
re-iterating his desire to conclude a deal when he returns from World Cup duty with Wales.
Desailly, 35, would have added experienced cover ahead of their European campaign against Barcelona, AC Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk. The World Cup-winner, a free agent since leaving Chelsea, is unwilling, however, to uproot his family from their home in Marseille. Desailly has rejected approaches from other clubs and is pursuing a career in French television.
That leaves Henri Camara and Juninho as the only two additions Celtic have made since the end of last season. Dwight Yorke staged an 11th hour u-turn to sign for Birmingham City after holding talks with the Parkhead club on Tuesday.
O'Neill has stated he would seek contract talks with Hartson, Neil Lennon and Bobo Balde once the transfer deadline passed. The trio's current deals expire at the end of this season and Hartson, preparing to face Azerbaijan on Saturday, is keen for a positive conclusion.
He said: ''I have spoken to the manager and he wanted to get the transfer window out of the way before we talk about me.
''Because of the internationals next week, it means I will get around the table with him and my agent when I get back.
''I'd like to stay because I love it at Celtic and now it all depends on making sure everything is right for both parties.''
Hartson has undergone two back operations in the past 18 months but any concerns over his long-term fitness have been dispelled by a creditable start to the season, scoring four goals in as many Bank of Scotland Premierleague matches. O'Neill has already handed extended deals to Stan Varga, Chris Sutton, Alan Thompson and Jackie McNamara this year, as he looks to maintain the core of his successful squad.
Meanwhile, David Marshall is expected to return to the Scotland squad after their return from Spain. The Celtic goalkeeper was ruled out of the friendly in Valencia having injured his thigh in the Parkhead club's 1-0 win over Rangers but is making good progress. Chris Sutton and Ross Wallace, both suffering from hamstring problems, could also be fit in time for Celtic's match against Dundee a week on Saturday.
Camara has been called up by Senegal for their World Cup qualifier against Mali on Sunday. Liverpool's Salif Diao and Papa Bouba Diop, of Fulham, are the only other British-based players in the squad.
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