Georgios Samaras insists that, despite incessant rumours, he never considered leaving Celtic this summer.

The Hoops striker was the subject of regular transfer speculation, with clubs across Europe reported to be chasing his services.

The likes of Palermo,http://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif Espanyol,http://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif Hercules and Newcastlehttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif were all linked with moves before the window slammed shut on Tuesday.

However, the Greece international claims he is happy at Parkhead and did not allow the prospect of leaving to cross his mind.

Samarashttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif said: "I would love to play and stay at Celtichttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif rather than go to a club in Italy or Germany to fight for 10th or 11th position.

"When you finish the season, you have done nothing apart from winning enough games to stay in the middle of the table.


History
"That is the reason why Celtic are a great club, as you can be in the history.

"That's important for us to understand as players and a team, and hopefully we can make something good this year."

He added: "I am away from my country, family and friends and everyone but I just feel really well here.

"I like the city. It's hard to explain. I really like being here.

"To be honest, I have a lot of friends here in Glasgow and there are people who speak the same language as me as well. I feel comfortable here.

"That's the reason that the world of rumours of changing clubs never passed through my mind, because that is negative and I want to stay here."


Rest
Samaras is determined to help Celtic wrestle the SPL title back from their Old Firm rivals this term, even if he is likely to feel the strain later on in the season when a busy summer that included World Cup duty with Greece catches up with him.

He told Celtic View: "I didn't have a lot of rest this summer but I feel good in myself.

"Sometimes I feel a bit tired because I didn't have a long rest but I think things are going well and now I am going into my third season for the club.

"I think more things will come in the coming weeks when I will feel fresher with myself and will feel fresher in my legs.

"At the moment, I feel I'm at a good level but I can improve."

Madjid Bougherra claims he is happy to have seen out the summer transfer window as a Rangers player.

The Algeria international was strongly linked with a number of clubs over the past few months, with a switch to the Premier League regularly touted.

Arsenalhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif were just one of the teams reported to be keen on the former Charlton and Sheffield Wednesdayhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif centre-half, before eventually turning their attention to Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci.http://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif

In fact, no formal bid was lodged for Bougherra,http://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif despite the numerous rumours doing the rounds.


Staying
The 27-year-old defender insists he never wanted to leave and, despite falling foul of Walter Smith'shttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif wrath on a couple of occasions last season, is adamant that he is enjoying life at Ibrox.

He hopes the uncertainty surrounding his future can now be laid to rest and he can focus his full attention on helping Rangershttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif retain their SPL title and make their mark in the UEFA Champions League.http://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif

"I am happy at Rangers," said Bougherra.

"It's now certain I won't be leaving. My family are happy here and I am happy on the pitch. That makes me satisfied."

Alan Gow has completed his move to Motherwell on a free transfer.

As revealed by skysports.com last month, Motherwellhttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif had lined up a deal for the former Falkirkhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif and Rangershttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif man.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs in England and Scotland after being released by Plymouthhttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif earlier this summer.

Gowhttp://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif is believed to have held talks with Swindon earlier this week ahead of the transfer deadline, but the move failed to materialise.

Gow has now pitched up at Motherwell and he has inked a six-month deal after passing a medical at Fir Park.

Sky Sports News understands that Kilmarnock have failed in a bid to sign Rangers forward Andrius Velicka but they remain hopeful of agreeing a loan deal.

The 31-year-old is on the fringes at Ibrox and is wanted at Rugby Park, where Mixu Paatelainen is desperate to increase his attacking options.

But Rangers boss Walter Smith recently said that he hoped to negotiate the final days of the transfer window, which closes in Scotland at 12am on Wednesday, without losing any members of his squad.

Cash-strapped Kilmarnock's offer was therefore not enough to persuade the SPL champions to sell Velicka, who is in the last year of his contract, and it was promptly rejected.

However, it is understood that Paatelainen has his fingers crossed that he will be able to agree a season-long loan deal for the former Hearts striker.

Velicka's campaign was seriously disrupted last season as a result of a knee ligament injury suffered while on loan at Bristol City.

Rangers manager Walter Smith has revealed he is not looking to sign another striker, despite losing Nikica Jelavic to European competition.

New signing Jelavic, who moved to the Glasgow giants from Rapid Vienna after securing a work permit on Friday, is ineligible to play in the UEFA Champions Leaguehttp://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif because Rapid qualified for the Europa League group stage.

The Austrian outfit booked their place in European competition after a 3-2 win at Aston Villa,http://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif and having played for them in an earlier round, Jelavic will now miss out on the Champions League.

It is a blow for boss Smith,http://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif whose squad must cope with clashes against Manchester United,http://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif Valenciahttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif and Bursaspor, but the Gers boss is not looking to add another frontman to his ranks.

"It is a bit of a blow for us, I must say," Smith said. "Not just in terms of losing someone that we hope will do well for us in terms of goals and all-round play, but losing another jersey.

"We only have 18 lads who have played regularly in the first team, so to lose him is a blow - and Andy Webster'shttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif ongoing injury situation as well.

"That cuts our squad down. We've got a decent squad but if we fall foul of injury, it may be a bit of a struggle for us."

He added: "I don't need someone in that position, we have plenty of cover for the forward position.

"If we have to move someone up front, then we will obviously weaken another area in terms of numbers. That could be a big problem for us."

Smith did not rule out trying to sign players in other positions, admitting he may be forced to dabble in the market because of the extra games that European competition will provide.

"We certainly don't have a lot of money but we may have something to bring in one or two," he remarked. "I'm actually not quite sure about the financial situation at the minute.

"If you look at Scottish teams going out (of Europe), that's six extra games to play in the first half of the season to any of our opposition.

"That's a lot of games and a lot of midweeks that other teams don't have to play.

"I would much prefer to have it than not have it, it's not a complaint, but it will stretch us to our limit."

Aberdeen have been rocked by the news that youngster Fraser Fyvie will miss the entire SPL season through injury.

The 17-year-old is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering cruciate ligament damage in Tuesday's 3-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup win over Alloa.

The youngster caught his studs in the Recreation Ground's artificial surface, much to the annoyance of manager Mark McGhee.http://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif

Fyvie, who is regarded as one of Scotland's brightest talents, will require surgery and McGhee insists he will be given all the time he needs to return to action at 100 per cent.


Blow
"It is a massive blow for Fraser and the club," McGhee told the Press and Journal.

"We will be doing everything we possibly can to ensure Fraser is given the appropriate time and care to make a full recovery.

"He will be under no pressure whatsoever in terms of his rehabilitation to make an early return.

"In light of his age, it's more important Fraser only returns to play when he has fully recovered."

Neil Lennon has hinted Celtic could move for Hibernian's Anthony Stokes before the transfer window closes.

Lennonhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif is mulling over his future striking options after they bowed out of Europe on Thursday to Utrecht.

Despite beating the Eredivise side 2-0 on home soil they were put to the sword 4-0 in Holland to exit the Europa League prior to the group stages.

Lennon has a plethora of attacking options at Parkhead, although he insists the ex-Sunderland striker is a possible target.

Stokeshttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif was Hibs' leading scorer in the SPL last season with 21 goals following his move from the Stadium of Light.

"He is an option and he is a player that we like," explained Lennon.

Kilmarnock have confirmed they have agreed a loan deal with Aston Villa for Harry Forrester's services.

Skysports.com revealed earlier on Thursday that the 19-year-old striker was poised to join the Rugby Park outfit.

Manager Mixu Paatelainenhttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif is now hoping to have the youngster available for their weekend trip to Aberdeen.

Kilmarnockhttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif have made a slow start to the new campaign having failed to accrue a point from their opening two SPL games.


Agreement
"We have agreed everything with Aston Villahttp://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif to bring Harry Forrester on loan with the club," Paatelainen told the club's official website.

"Hopefully it will be concluded before Saturday's game so he is available for that match. Harry is a young striker who has not yet broken into the Villa first team but he is one for the future.

"He is 20 years old, he comes here to gain experience at first-team level. I think the SPL gives these boys a good platform to perform.

"He came in a couple of weeks ago to train with us and played in a practice match and did really well and scored a goal. So we took it forward and now he is joining us.

"He is a very energetic player, good technical ability, buzzes about the main striker. So he gives us another option which we don't have at the moment."

Dougie Imrie believes that given time Hamilton will turn around their disappointing start to the SPL season.

The Accies finished a lofty seventh last time around, but have opened the new campaign with back-to-back 4-0 defeats.

Imrie thinks the loss of key personnel to injury and the arrival of numerous summer signings has slightly disrupted Billy Reid'shttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif side.

The former Inverness midfielder thinks that once they have a few more back from the treatment room Hamilton will return to winning ways.


Disappointing
"We had a good pre-season but the first few games haven't gone as planned," he told skysports.com. "It's been disappointing for the players.

"We all knows it's our own mistakes that have been at fault for the defeats, so on that front we know how we need improve in order to go on.

"We're only two games into the new season so there are plenty of games to rectify that. The way we finished last season there's no reason why we cannot do that this year.

"We've got a lot of influential players out injured at the moment. I know you can't make excuses, but these players are a big part of Hamilton. For them not to be involved in the early part of the season is a big loss.

"It's difficult for a lot of the new boys who have come in haven't played together. The team needs time to gel as well. I'm sure that once we get our more influential players back we'll be okay."


Cup quest
Hamilton tackle in-form Raith Rovers in the second round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup on Tuesday and Imrie insists Reid's troops will be going for the victory.

"We'll be going up there trying to get the win," he continued. "They've started well so it's going to be a difficult game. If we go up there and apply ourselves then we'll get a result. I'm sure Raith will be up for the challenge."

Imrie and co then tackle his former club Inverness this weekend and while the 27-year-old admits it will be odd being back on his old stomping ground, sentiment will not interfere with his professionalism.

"I'll be difficult, but we're taking it one game at a time. If we go up there and apply ourselves I'm sure we can get something. It'll be strange for me going back as I had two years there, but I'll enjoy it. Hopefully we'll come back with the three points."

Kenny Miller insists Rangers still have the striking options to cope with the summer loss of Kris Boyd.

Boydhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif scored a whopping 23 SPL goals for the Glasgow giants last season as Gers claimed yet another title.

The Scotland international ace left Ibrox over the summer and penned a two-year deal with Middlesbrough.http://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif

While Boyd scored Boro's winner against Sheffield Unitedhttp://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif on Sunday, Millerhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif netted a hat-trick at Hibs.

Miller knows Boyd is a quality striker, but feels Walter Smithhttp://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif still has enough talent to mount another title charge.


Important
"Of course, Boydy will be a big miss for us. He was important," he said. "But we have good enough players at the club to cope without him.

"I will certainly try to do everything that I can to score goals. I have started off the season well and it is my intention to try and continue that.

"The hat-trick I scored has been coming for quite a while now. We've done well in the few seasons I've been back at Easter Road and I've managed to get a few goals.

"But I am confident that I can score goals in every game that I play in and am looking forward to the match with St Johnstone on Saturday already."

James Forrest has paid tribute to new manager Neil Lennon after he was handed his first home start against St Mirren on Sunday.

The youngster featured on and off last season under Lennon,http://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif so the 19-year-old was enthused when the club's caretaker landed the post on a full-time basis.

Forresthttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif started Sunday's SPL clash with The Buddies and he repaid his manager's faith by scoring the third goal in a fine 4-0 success.

The teenager does not regard himself as the new Aiden McGeadyhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif and is just taking things one game at a time and building his reputation.


Chance
"At the end of last season, the manager brought me on a few times," explained Forrest.

"I thought that if he got the job he would give me a chance and that's what he's done.

"It's hard to say I'm the 'new Aiden McGeady', but I want to play more games and show what I can do.

"I scored at the end of last season as well, but it was good to get another. I was delighted to make my first start at Celtichttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif Park, it felt really good."

The 22-year-old shot-stopper is regarded as a hot prospect for the future but is currently not first choice between the sticks at St James' Park.

Steve Harperhttp://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif is manager Chris Hughton'shttp://static.lingospot. com/spot/image/spacer.gif No.1, and last season Forsterhttp://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif was sent on loan to League One Norwich, where he impressed.

Now he is set to make the step up to the Scottish giants if he completes a medical on Monday, and manager Neil Lennonhttp://static.lingospot.com/spot/ image/spacer.gif hopes he will provide competition for Lukasz Zaluska.http://static.lingospot.com/ spot/image/spacer.gif

Lennon said: "He's a big boy, he's come highly recommended, I've watched him myself a couple of times.

"His age, 22, is the only thing going against him because otherwise he's all the qualities you look for in a goalkeeper.

"He's got a massive presence and he's come highly recommended from people in the game whose opinion I trust, so if the medical goes okay, we'll take him on board.

"We've needed competition in that area so he'll add to that."

Celtic have completed the signing of Honduras full-back Emilio Izaguirre for an undisclosed fee.

Izaguirre trained with his new team-mates on Wednesday after agreeing to move from Motagua in his homeland. However, the 24-year-old will not be available for Thursday's Europa League qualifier against Utrecht.

Izaguirre, who becomes Celtic manager Neil Lennon's ninth summer signing, will vie with Charlie Mulgrew for the left-back slot in the side.

Celtic's latest recruit featured against Chile and Spain in the World Cup in South Africa, but missed his country's match against Switzerland.

"He trained today," revealed Lennon. "He won't play tomorrow but should be available for selection after that.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/shared/img/o. gif"He's a good player. He's strong defensively, he's quick, he's got a very good left foot and he's good going forward.

"He had a good World Cup for Honduras. (Full-back) is an area we've been looking to fill for a while.

"We've taken our time with this one and we think we've got the right one."

Source: BBC Football

Celtic have snapped up Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic from Greek side AEK Athens.

The 32-year-old centre-half played in Sweden's 3-0 victory over Scotland last week and has a wealth of experience at club and international level.

Majstorovic becomes manager Neil Lennon's eighth major signing of the summer so far and has penned a two-year contract at Parkhead.

Following spells at a number of Swedish sides, the defender had stints at FC Twente in Holland before moving to Basel for €1.3million (£1m) in 2006.

Motherwell have agreed a six-month loan deal for Blackburn Rovers reserve striker Nick Blackman.

The 20-year-old has yet to feature for Rovers' first team but has had loan spells at Blackpool and Oldham. "Blackman is tall and he's good in the air," said manager Craig Brown. "He's got pace to burn, a good left foot.

"He has really blossomed in pre-season. My friend who is the first-team coach at Blackburn, Steve Kean, said he would definitely score goals in the SPL."

He scored three goals in six appearances for Blackburn's second string side last season.

Prior to his return to Ewood Park, the forward had scored once in 13 appearances for Oldham in League One.

Source: BBC Football

RANGERS are close to tying down a trio of prized assets with Allan McGregor, Kenny Miller and Sasa Papac all ready to sign new deals.

And in another boost to boss Walter Smith, who just weeks ago looked like having his squad decimated by big-name departures, Lee McCulloch has already signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2013.

McCulloch's commitment comes in the wake of interest from Ipswich and Blackpool, who were keen to lure the player south of the border again.

The former Motehrwell man said: "I know Rangers are trying to secure the payers who are going to be out of contract next year and there are efforts being made to bring in new faces."

But it's the news over McGregor that will most thrill Gers fans.

he is one of the club's most sellable assets and a string of Premiership outfits were believed to be preparing a raid.

The Ibrox No. 1 again proved his class on his international recall against Sweden on Wednesday night when he prevented a 3-0 beating from turning into an annihilation.

And to swell the feelgood factor Miller and Papac - who are in the final year of their existing contracts - are also poised to agree new deals as Smith further plugs the Ibrox exodus.

RANGERS last night swooped for Stoke striker James Beattie.
SunSport can reveal the Ibrox club have opened talks with the Premiership outfit over a move for the hitman.

Beattie, 32, is surplus to requirements at City with boss Tony Pulis eager to get him off the wage bill.

Gers gaffer Walter Smith is hopeful a deal can be done before the big SPL kick-off this Saturday.

Rangers are still in the hunt to sign Tommy Smith from Portsmouth - as we exclusively revealed yesterday - although they will have to battle it out with QPR.

The move for Beattie virtually kills off their bid for Rapid Vienna star Nikica Jelavic.

The Austrian outfit have dragged their heels in negotiations and fed- up Rangers are now looking elsewhere.

Jelavic was gaffer Smith's top target but landing Beattie would still be a major coup.

The striker has a vast amount of experience, with five England caps to his name.

He has cost more than £14million in transfer fees throughout his career.

Stoke are looking to sell the player on rather than let him go out on loan.

Talks will take place in the next 24 hours to determine whether an agreement can be reached.

Beattie has been told of Rangers' interest.

It's understood he's excited at the prospect of moving north where he'd be guaranteed Champions League football.

Gers remained locked in talks last night over £1.5million target Smith - but QPR have joined the chase.

Pompey administrator Andrew Andronikou said: "There has been dialogue and that will continue. We'll see where it goes."

It is understood Smith, 30, is keen to speak to Gers but has not yet had Pompey's approval to discuss personal terms.

Manchester City midfielder Vladimir Weiss has attracted the interest of Bundesliga giants Stuttgart.

Slovakia international Weiss, who spent part of last season on loan at Bolton and is contracted with City until June 2012, impressed the German club while on international duty at the World Cup this summer.

And Stuttgart are keen to offset the recent departure of Germany midfielder Sami Khedira to Real Madrid by securing 20-year-old Weiss' signature.

"It is a fact we are looking at the player," Stuttgart general manager Fredi Bobic told Deutsche Presseagentur.

Reports in the Stuttgarter Zeitung suggest the capture of Weiss is imminent, meaning he could become Stuttgart's third signing in five days following the arrival of Philipp Degen on loan from Liverpool and Johan Audel from Valencia.

RANGERS star Lee McCulloch was last night being treated in hospital after suffering mystery chest pains.
The superfit 32-year-old Scotland midfielder fell ill after the Gers' friendly with Newcastle at Ibrox on Saturday.

Anxious medics feared he had developed a blood clot after the gruelling flight back from his side's trip to Australia last week.

McCulloch had phoned the club doctor, who arranged for him to be whisked to Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow.

But the former Wigan and Motherwell ace was in so much pain, he was instead driven directly to Wishaw General - the closest medical unit to his home in Lanarkshire.

Docs became concerned when he told them he'd returned from Sydney earlier in the week. They demanded he be kept in overnight for observation.

McCulloch's illness has forced him to withdraw from Scotland's friendly clash with Sweden in Stockholm.

He has not played for the national side since retiring under former boss George Burley.

But he had made himself available to new coach Craig Levein and was set to earn his 16th cap on Wednesday.

It is now believed he has a viral infection in his chest. But initial tests show McCulloch's condition is not serious.

He was understood to be feeling better last night - but medics will assess him again before allowing him home.

RANGERS target Nikica Jelavic last night begged Rapid Vienna to let him join the SPL champs.
Ibrox boss Walter Smith has already had an offer of £2million plus add-ons rejected by Rapid Vienna for the Croat hitman.

Jelavic, 24, has now told Rapid he wants to quit Austria for Ibrox and Gers will this week put together a new deal which could eventually rise to £3.5m.

Jelavic said: "I was informed about Rangers' interest in me and I really want to go.

"Rapid are a great side and I have enjoyed my time here but I have paid them back well with goals and I deserve the chance to go. It has always been my dream to play in Britain and Rangers are a big club with tradition. I would love to play there."

Gers chief executive Martin Bain has been locked in talks with Rapid for over a week.

They have so far rejected all bids for the striker, who scored at Celtic Park in last season's Europa League. Jelavic will lead the Rapid attack in a Europa League qualifier tomorrow.

If Rapid lose the tie Jelavic could still play for Gers in the Champions League.

If the Austrians win, and also win in the knockout round, he'll be cup-tied for the Champions League.

Gers could gamble on Rapid losing in the knockout round, where they WON'T be seeded, but it's understood the SPL champs feel they can't wait to see if Rapid progress to the group phase.

Boss Smith is determined Jelavic will lead the Gers attack in the Champions League and could increase the bid to £3.5m to secure his signature.

Celtic have signed Maccabi Haifa's Biram Kayal on a four-year deal after the player secured a work permit.

Chief executive Peter Lawwell held talks with the 22-year-old, who arrived in Glasgow for talks earlier this week.

Midfielder Kayal has made more than 100 appearances for Maccabi Haifa after coming through their youth ranks and has been capped 13 times for Israel.

Kayal becomes manager Neil Lennon's seventh summer signing as he aims to rebuild his Celtic squad.

Lennon's recruitment drive has included midfielders Efrain Juarez and Joe Ledley.

Juarez arrived from Pumas and Ledley joined from Cardiff City, while defender Charlie Mulgrew was previously with Aberdeen, right-back Cha Du-Ri with Freiburg and striker Daryl Murphy with Sunderland.

The SPL club have also signed striker Gary Hooper from Scunthorpe United for £2.4m.

England goalkeeper David James has delayed a planned trip to Glasgow for possible signing talks in order to deal with a family matter.

Source: BBC Football