Celtic this week began clearing the way for new squad development with the sale of Darren Jackson to Hearts. Although Darren showed a great deal of commitment and indeed bravery during his short stay in paradise he rarely reached 'Celtic Class'. This is a term I expect to use more and more in coming weeks as Celtic make big decisions regarding the future of exisitng squad members and approaches to new players. Hearts paid £300,000 for Jackson who was quick to mention the fact he comes from a Hearts daft family in a desperate attempt to divert the Tynecastle fan's attention from the fact he used to play for their arch enemies the Hibees. Celtic are due to receive a further £150,000 subject to Jackson making an indisclosed number of appearances.

The English transfer deadline passed and neither SID or POD left Celtic for Sheffield Wednesday. Apparantly Danny Wilson offered a paltry £100,000 each for the players, rightly declined by the Parkhead management. There are rumours that both players only have gentlemen's agreements with the Hillsborough club and thus Celtic might still be able to present terms to either player. Such a move is highky unlikely and I do expect both players to move south on a free transfer in the summer.

Scotland's European Championship qualifier against Bosnia was cancelled as NATO could not guarantee the Bosnians safe passage. However Celtic players were in action and indeed in the thick of it, both Larsson and Mjallby scored in Sweden's shaky 2-0 home victory over Euro-minnows Luxembourg. Mjallby was impressive in midfield and Celtic fans should look forward to him playing in his correct position once Celtic have signed a replacement for Stubbs and Marc Reiper is fit again. Mjallby has played well as has Riseth in recent weeks, however the centre of defence is not an area for economising, Celtic must invest heavily on a replacement for Stubbs and Reiper should he not return to full fitness.

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