A round-up of today's soccer news in brief

Hartson stronger after surgery

CRITICALLY-ill former Celtic striker John Hartson is getting stronger and has made an excellent recovery from a procedure carried out on his brain at the weekend, his doctor said yesterday.

The 34-year-old former Arsenal and Wales striker was told two weeks ago he had testicular cancer that had spread to his brain.

He was admitted to hospital in his home city of Swansea, Wales, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery and it was discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Since then he has remained critically ill in intensive care.

Dr Peter Matthews, critical care consultant at ABM University NHS Trust, said yesterday: “John Hartson remains under the care of our critical care team and neurosurgeons at Morriston Hospital.

“In general, John is physically getting stronger and we are hopeful that he will continue to do so.”

McGeady glad of new start at Celtic

AIDEN McGeady has admitted he is relieved to have been handed a new start at Celtic following the change of manager.

McGeady has spoken for the first time about his two-week suspension at the turn of the year following a dressingroom row with Gordon Strachan, describing it as a “real low point” in his career.

And the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland winger is keen to impress Tony Mowbray following his often fractious relationship with Strachan.

“When you get a new manager it’s always going to be a new start,” McGeady said. “After what happened between me and the old gaffer, I’m glad to have a new start.

“What happened wasn’t great. You can have a falling-out with a coach. It’s happened to a lot of players in the past and I’m sure it’ll happen in the future. But it was a real low point in my career. I just look to learn from it. In football you’ve got to try to take something positive from everything.”

Bendtner commits to Arsenal cause

ARSENAL striker Nicklas Bendtner has committed his future to Arsenal amid claims he could be heading for AC Milan.

The Italian giants are known to be hunting for striking reinforcements following the departure of Kaka to Real Madrid, and reports at the weekend suggested the 21-year-old Dane was a potential target.

Bendtner said: “I haven’t heard anything about (that). As far as I know I am totally with Arsenal. This is where I want to be. This is the club I want to play with and it has always been that way.”

Bendtner scored twice, along with Eduardo (2) and Robin Van Persie, as Arsenal beat Hungarian side Haladas 5-0 in a friendly yesterday.

Grenade found on Dalglish’s wall

POLICE were yesterday investigating after a live hand grenade was found on a garden wall at the home of former player Kenny Dalglish.

The explosive device was discovered on Sunday night as police made searches in connection with an on-going incident unconnected with the former Liverpool manager.

The British army’s bomb disposal team were called to the address, in Selworthy Road, Southport, Merseyside, and the area was cordoned off for the public’s safety.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: “The device was removed and made safe and is currently undergoing forensic examination.”

Finnan released by Espanyol

ESPANYOL have agreed to release Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan from the year left on his contract.

The 33-year-old, who has won 52 caps, has suffered a string of injury problems since moving to Spain from Liverpool at the end of the summer transfer window last year.

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has stated his interest in signing the right back.

Ibrahimovic and Eto’o deals complete players’ swap

SWEDEN striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic completed his transfer from Inter Milan to Barcelona after signing a five-year contract yesterday.

The swap deal sends Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o, valued at €20 million to Inter and is worth more than €66 million.

Barca said in a statement they were paying a separate €46 million fee and loaning Belarus midfielder Aleksandr Hleb to Inter for the season. The Italian side will have the chance to buy Hleb for €10 million plus variables next year.

Ibrahimovic passed a medical earlier in the day, though Barca said the Swede had fractured a bone in his left hand recently and that treatment would be necessary.

Inter also made a statement last night saying Eto’o had signed a five-year deal with the Serie A club.