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Lennon interested in Given but tries to remain focused

SOCCER EUROPA LEAGUE Celtic v FC Utrecht: CELTIC MANAGER Neil Lennon has confirmed he would like to sign Manchester City goalkeeper…

Thu Aug 19 2010 - 01:00

SOCCER EUROPA LEAGUE Celtic v FC Utrecht:CELTIC MANAGER Neil Lennon has confirmed he would like to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given on loan. Celtic are keen to bolster their goalkeeping options following the summer sale of Artur Boruc to Fiorentina. Lennon is a firm admirer of Given and would be keen on pursuing a deal if City were willing to let him leave on loan.

However, Lennon’s main priority is to prepare his team for tonight’s Europa League clash with Utrecht but he added:“If it was a possibility then of course,” Lennon said of Given. “He’s one of the best keepers in the Premier League. We’ve been linked with a lot of players and there’s been speculation on a lot of players. I don’t really want to comment on players coming in or going out. I’m just concentrating on the game on Thursday.”

Celtic have confirmed that Honduras left-back Emilio Izaguirre has signed for the club on a four-year deal subject to final work permit approval. Izaguirre trained with his new team-mates yesterday after agreeing to move from Motagua in his homeland.

However, the 24-year-old will not be available tonight and Sweden centre-back Daniel Majstorovic, who also signed this week, has taken the one available late spot in Celtic’s Europa League squad.

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But Lennon may play Izaguirre, who will compete with Charlie Mulgrew for the left-back spot, when Celtic host St Mirren in the league on Sunday.

Lennon said: “He trained today. He won’t play tomorrow but should be available for selection after that. 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.”

Celtic are boosted by the news Paddy McCourt will be fit to play tonight.

The winger sustained whiplash during his goal celebrations against Inverness at the weekend but has trained and will be available for selection.

CELTIC PROBABLE (4-2-3-1):Zaluska; Cha, Majstorovic, Loovens, Mulgrew; Brown, Ledley; Fortune, Maloney, McCourt; Samaras.