Celtic

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Asked about being linked with a move to Celtic, 36-year-old goalkeeper Asmir Begovic said he is "currently looking at options" but is waiting to see what happens with discussions about a new contract with Queens Park Rangers. (TalkSport), external

Liverpool are working on signing a new goalkeeper as they prepare for Caoimhin Kelleher to leave this summer and Premier League rivals could join Celtic in registering their interest in the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who wants first-team football. (Football Insider), external

Peter Grant urges former club Celtic to sign goalkeeper David de Gea, who has been without a club since leaving Manchester United a year ago. (Record), external

Turning Paulo Bernardo's loan into a permanent transfer will cost Celtic less than the reported £6m, with the Scottish champions now expected to offer Benfica £3m up front, with £500,000-worth of add-ons bringing the total transfer fee to £3.5m, with a sell-on clause included for the 22-year-old midfielder. (Daily Mail, print edition)

Aston Villa remain among clubs interested in Kieran Tierney as Arsenal sources confirmed they hope to generate around £25m by selling the out-of-favour Scotland defender this summer. (TeamTalk), external

Crystal Palace are willing to listen to offers for striker Odsonne Edouard this summer but value the 26-year-old, who cost £14m from Celtic in 2021, at £20m. (London News Online), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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Cameron Carter-Vickers says he thrives off the constant pressure to succeed at Celtic and the "unacceptable" thought of failure.

Since signing for the Glasgow side from Tottenham in 2021, firstly on loan before making the move permanent, the centre-back has been integral in the seven domestic honours the club have won in the following three years.

The United States defender is currently on international duty and is preparing to face Colombia and Brazil in friendlies before the Copa America begins at the end of this month.

"It's a massive club, one thing I like about it is the pressure is always there," Carter-Vickers said when asked by a US-based journalist about his experience of playing for Celtic.

"The title race this year got a bit close and you could see from our fans that it would have been unacceptable to lose it. That definitely helps you and keeps you on your game.

"Football wise, some of the games are really good, some really tough and others not to much. It’s hard to compare to international football."

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Controversy and VAR have been intertwined ever since its implementation in the Scottish top flight in October 2022.

From handball decisions to fouls and penalties, managers and fans alike have had grievances over the technology - and the length of time taken for decisions to be made.

With the 2023-24 season complete and the new campaign a number of weeks away, would you rather see VAR scrapped from Scottish football or persevered with?

Cast your vote here.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking into a potential deal for Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who wants to leave Liverpool, and would be able to match their Premier League rivals' asking price of about £20m, unlike fellow suitors Celtic. (TeamTalk), external

Scotland's Euro 2024 Group A opponents Hungary lost 2-1 away to Republic of Ireland, with Adam Idah on target after his recent loan spell at Celtic. (Scotsman - subscription), external

Former Hull City and Wigan Athletic midfielder Jimmy Bullard reveals his father kyboshed what would have been a dream move to Celtic. (Football Scotland), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Adam Idah continued where he left off in the Scottish Cup final as the striker opened the scoring for Republic of Ireland in their 2-1 friendly win over Scotland's Euro 2024 group opponents, Hungary, in Dublin.

It was a fourth goal in 25 internationals for the 23-year-old striker, who scored the late winner at Hampden against Rangers as he completed his loan to Celtic from Norwich City.

Idah lost his marker to power a header past helpless Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulasci to put his side ahead after 35 minutes.

It was a fourth goal in 25 international appearances for the striker, who joined Celtic on loan in February and who has been tipped for a possible return this summer with his future at Carrow Road in the balance.

Celtic centre-half Liam Scales replaced veteran former Parkhead defender Shane Duffy with the scores level at half time.

Meanwhile, Celtic winger Mikey Johnston and 21-year-old uncapped defender Bosun Lawal were unused substitutes along with Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Having gained his first Scotland cap in three years after a stellar end to the campaign with Celtic, James Forrest discussed his return to the national side and recent form following the friendly win over Gibraltar.

Here's the best of what the winger had to say...

Did you think this moment would come again?

"Obviously I've not been in a camp for three years and you're getting a bit older as well. I've really enjoyed my football these last couple of months and I'm delighted to get the call-up and get another game for Scotland. I'm just going to enjoy every day I'm here."

Did you start to feel you had a chance in the past couple of months?

"Everyone was saying that to me, but honestly I was just focused on every game at Celtic. Then you obviously know the Euros are coming up and every Scottish player wants to go and be a part of it. I'm the same even though I'm getting older, you still want to work hard and play for your national team as much as you can and it was a great boost."

Would you feel unlucky not to make the final squad now?

"That's down to the manager. I think myself and a few others just need to come away, enjoy it and try and give our best. That's all you can do."

How special would it be for you to make these Euros?

"Obviously when you’re playing as a professional, you want to be playing in the biggest games possible, to be playing in the big stadiums against the best players, and I've managed to do that all my career. So I'm going to just enjoy the next few days and when the manager makes his decision I'll get on with that."

On playing on left wing on Monday...

"They’ve had a lot of joy playing a different formation. I can play in a different couple positions, I’ve done that with Celtic as well, so I'm just happy to play anywhere. Anyone will feel the same."

Does it feel like you've been away at all?

"I think maybe Angus Gunn was the only player I didn't know, so after the first day it was as if I hadn't been away. I've known loads of the boys for years and it's a really tight group so it just felt normal and it was good to be back training and playing with them again."

What was your reaction to being named in the provisional squad?

"Obviously I was delighted, it’s been a great few months. I've not actually been thinking about going to the Euros, I've just been thinking about meeting up, training and the couple of friendlies. So now I'll look forward to the Finland game and just enjoy the next few days."

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Celtic will find it hard to afford Caoimhin Kelleher this summer as Liverpool want more than the £10m the Scottish champions are willing to pay for the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper. (Football Insider), external

Celtic are confident they are close to striking a deal to sign Paulo Bernardo on a permanent basis from Benfica after the 22-year-old midfielder spent a season on loan in Glasgow with an option to buy for £6m. (Daily Record), external

Celtic are interested in Lausanne-Sport midfielder Alvyn Sanches, but Coventry City, Stoke City and clubs in Germany, France and the Netherlands are also considering offers for the 21-year-old Swiss who is valued at £4.3m. (Daily Express), external

Defender Bosun Lawal, the 21-year-old who impressed in midfield last season on loan to Fleetwood Town, is to be given a chance to impress with Celtic's first team this summer despite interest from a number of Championship clubs in England. (Football Scotland), external

Click here for the rest of today's Scottish transfer gossip

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A successful season for young Celtic defender Bosun Lawal just got even better.

After impressing during a loan spell in English League One with Fleetwood Town, the 21-year-old has now received his first call-up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad.

Lawal made 47 appearances for Charlie Adam's side last term, using his aerial threat to score six times while also assisting twice.

The youngster has been given an opportunity under John O'Shea following an injury to Norwich City defender Andrew Omobamidele, with Lawal returning to under-21 duty following Tuesday's friendly with Hungary.

While rumours have swirled that English Championship clubs may be looking at Lawal, is international recognition another indication he could bolster Celtic's backline?

Brendan Rodgers' defence was far from flawless despite winning a league and cup double last term, with Cameron Carter-Vickers' injury absences causing problems for the champions.

With just one first-team appearance to his name - a late substitute showing in a 5-0 Scottish Cup win over Greenock Morton - now could be the time to properly introduce Lawal to the fold as Celtic look to kick on next season.

Celtic have enquired about taking Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who is third choice at Bayern Munich, on loan, but Nottingham Forest, Anderlecht, Real Betis, FC Copenhagen, Union Berlin and Villarreal are also interested in the 23-year-old. (Bild), external

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who has been linked with Celtic, has admitted he will look at options outside of the Premier League as the 25-year-old Irishman searches for regular first-team football this summer. (Daily Record), external

Former Celtic defender Rudi Vata is still hopeful that his Republic of Ireland winger son, Rocco, can have a bright career with the Scottish champions despite no news of the 19-year-old accepting a new contract offer amid interest from a number of clubs. (Off The Ball), external

Scotland Under-21 left-back Matthew Anderson believes he grew as a player and as a man after the 20-year-old spent time on loan from Celtic to Admira Wacker in Austria. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Celtic's Antony Ralston is the answer to Steve Clarke's right-wing back dilemma, says former Scotland midfielder Peter Grant.

After injuries to both Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson, it appears Ralston and uncapped Ross McCrorie are fighting it out for the spot on right side of the backline.

Despite limited starts at Celtic this season, playing second choice to Alistair Johnston, Grant feels Ralston has shown enough at both club level and in his eight international caps to start the Euro 2024 opener against Germany.

"I like McCrorie, he can play numerous positions," ex-Scotland coach Grant said on Sunday's Sportsound. "But I look at Ralston, he’s played in big games for Celtic, he’s never let them down.

"If you play with wing-backs, you've got to put crosses in the box. He does that very well. He'll deliver the ball. If you have someone like Lawrence Shankland up front, he will live off that.

"If you're dropping into your back five, he gives you that aggressiveness in one-on-one situations. He’s quick enough, strong enough and defends his back post well."

Southampton boss Russell Martin wants a reunion with Matt O’Riley but fears being priced out of the bidding for the Celtic midfielder he worked with at MK Dons. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

We asked you who Celtic's best cult hero signing is - the player that showed up with little expectation to win the hearts of the support.

Here's what some of you said:

Kevin: Has to be Lubo Moravcik. Before the advent of social media, Lubo came with little fanfare and became an instant hero scoring twice on his old form debut.

Anon: Lubo Moravcik - old man, never heard of him before. We thought he was a panic signing. How wrong we were, probably the greatest two-footed player ever in Scotland, really was a gift from God. Wish we got him in his 20s.

Plow: Ultimate cult hero - Bobby Petta. What a player!

Paul: Mikael Lustig. When he arrived there wasn't much pomp about it, the lad turned into a massive fan favourite and still to this day loves every second of his time at Celtic.

Anthony: Aaron Mooy was my favourite. A lot of eyebrows were raised when he was signed at 32. He left much to be desired athletically, however his passing abilities, goals and overall senior experience was invaluable to Celtic's 21/22 league win.

Anon: Barry Robson. One-footed Ginger genius, scorer of big goals at home and in Europe, took no prisoners.

Patrick - Got to be Adam Idah. Essentially saved our season, popping up with late goals that changed games and was influential in his starts as a striker. He's a must buy for Celtic, even as a backup, as it is clear he is a big fan of the club and we've helped him gain his confidence back as a player.

Tottenham Hotspur have joined Manchester United in the race for Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly as the 18-year-old midfielder continues contract talks with the Scottish champions. (Daily Record), external

Norwich City are ready to play hardball with Celtic over Adam Idah, with the English Championship side not yet entertaining a permanent sale for the 23-year-old, who impressed on loan in Glasgow. (Football Scotland), external

Celtic must keep hold of Kyogo Furuhashi – and push the boat out to land Adam Idah to bolster hopes of making an impression in the Champions League, says former striker Chris Sutton. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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Celtic will take on fellow Glasgow side Queen's Park for the first time in 15 years as the sides meet for a pre-season friendly.

Brendan Rodgers' side will make the short trip to Lesser Hampden on Wednesday, 10 July, with kick-off at 19:45 BST.

The fixture comes before Celtic jet off to the United States, where they will take on MLS outfit DC United, as well as Premier League sides Manchester City and Chelsea.

However, due to Lesser Hampden's capacity of just 900 supporters, the club say there will be no public sale of tickets to Celtic supporters.

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Matt O'Riley has become the most valuable player to have played in the Scottish Premiership, according to transfermarkt.

The Danish midfielder scored 19 goals and picked up 13 assists as Celtic retained the league title and Scottish Cup under Brendan Rodgers.

A stellar campaign for the 23-year-old, who was omitted from Denmark's Euros squad on Thursday, leaves him valued at €20m according to the transfers and market value website.

Kieran Tierney left Celtic for Arsenal in summer 2019 for €27m, but was assigned a market value of just €12.5m.

Elsewhere, Adam Idah's value has increased to €3.5m, Cameron Carter-Vickers is up to €14m and Greg Taylor is now valued at €7.5m.

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Dane Thomas Gravesen questions why Matt O'Riley, of his former club Celtic, has not been included in Denmark's Euro 2024 squad. (Sun), external

Alistair Johnston warns Celtic will be even stronger next season. (Record), external

Celtic are reportedly negotiating a reduced purchase fee with Benfica for midfielder Paulo Bernardo, who spent last season on loan in Glasgow and has a £6m release clause. (Football Scotland), external

Celtic and Manchester United have both denied reports Old Trafford goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will move to Brendan Rodgers' side this summer. (Sun), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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Matt O'Riley has missed out on a place in Denmark's squad for Euro 2024 despite his outstanding Celtic form.

The midfielder was a key player in Celtic's league and Scottish Cup double and netted 19 times as well as providing 13 assists last season, with his club rejecting a January bid from Atletico Madrid for the 23-year-old.

London-born O'Riley, who qualifies to play for Denmark through his mother, made his debut for Kasper Hjulmand's side last November and won his second cap in their last match, a friendly win over the Faroe Islands in March.

However, he has now surprisingly been omitted from the 26-man squad named by Hjulmand for the finals in Germany next month.

The midfielders selected over O'Riley include 32-year-old Christian Eriksen, who is out of favour at Manchester United, Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Mikkel Damsgaard of Brentford.

It will be Eriksen's first European Championship since suffering a cardiac arrest in 2021 against Finland in Copenhagen.

He returned to international football in March 2022 and played at the Qatar World Cup.

Eriksen's United team-mate Rasmus Hojlund is also included, while Damsgaard is one of three Brentford midfielders to join players from Tottenham, Leicester, Crystal Palace and Burnley in the squad.

Denmark's Euro 2024 squad in full

Goalkeepers: Kasper Schmeichel (Anderlecht), Frederik Ronnow (Union Berlin), Mads Hermansen (Leicester)

Defenders: Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Simon Kjaer (AC Milan), Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace), Jannik Vestergaard (Leicester), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray), Alexander Bah (Benfica), Joakim Maehle (Wolfsburg), Rasmus Nissen Kristensen (Roma), Victor Kristiansen (Bologna)

Midfielders: Christian Eriksen (Manchester United), Thomas Delaney (Anderlecht), Morten Hjulmand (Sporting Lisbon), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham), Christian Norgaard (Brentford), Mathias Jensen (Brentford), Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford), Jacob Bruun Larsen (Burnley), Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Bruges)

Forwards: Anders Dreyer (Anderlecht), Kasper Dolberg (Anderlecht), Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United), Jonas Wind (Wolfsburg), Yusuf Poulsen (Leipzig).

Players come and go, but sometimes a new face will arrive and win the hearts of supporters unexpectedly.

Who's the lesser-remembered player that showed up at Celtic with little expectation and perhaps had more passion than talent, but turned into a hero loved across the fanbase?

Give us your shout. , external

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Chief executive Neil Doncaster says crowd figures are "hugely promising" after the SPFL broke its attendance record for the second year running.

Over 5.15m supporters took to the stands to watch their side across all SPFL competitions in 2023-24, covering the Premiership, Championship, League 1, League 2, League Cup and the SPFL Trust Trophy.

The year-on-year figure marks an increase of 64,122 on the season prior's record high, when the number of people attending SPFL matches surpassed 5m for the first time.

A total of of 4,746,052 fans attended games across the four divisions, with Premiership matches attracting 3,760,765.

Scotland continues to have the best attendances figures per capita across its top four divisions in Europe with 21.3 per 1000 people - 65% ahead of second-placed the Netherlands.

Doncaster said: “After topping five million fans across an SPFL season for the first time in season 2022/23, it is hugely promising to see attendances growing even further this season.

“Our supporters are renowned across the world for their dedication and passion and regularly record the highest per capita attendance in Europe."

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Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi is a target for Urawa Red Diamonds in his Japanese homeland. (Mail), external

Free agent goalkeeper Koen Casteels is reportedly close to joining Saudi club Al Qadsiah after being linked with Celtic. (Record), external

Meanwhile, South Korea striker Oh Hyeon-gyu could be on his way out of Celtic amid interest from Europe. (Sun), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip