Celtic Play a Bogey on Transfer Deadline Day

Supporters of Scottish giants Celtic were left scratching their heads as the transfer window slammed shut, with only unknown Hertha Berlin youngsters Filipe and Patrik Twardzik joining the club on the last day of transfer activity until the summer.

With their lead at the top of the SPL cut to just two points at the weekend, it had been thought that the club would strengthen, and it is understood that at least two bids were made for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. However these moves were knocked back by the Edinburgh side, much to the chargin of the Scottish Champions, and the player himself.

Arguably, Celtic have weakened rather than strengthened their squad, with exciting prospect Paul Caddis moving to Dundee United on loan, and young striker Cillian Sheridan, who had made his first team breakthrough last year, scoring four goals, moving to Motherwell in a similar deal.

Major shareholder Dermot Desmond, pictured here practising his swing, had promised fans after winning the championship last term that the squad would be strengthened both for domestic as well as Continental competition.

However, only Willo Flood (Cardiff City), Niall McGinn (Derry City) and Milan Misun (FK Pribram) and the two Hertah Berlin youngsters have joined the Hoops this month, with a net outlay of just around £400,000. A small amount for a club that has banked at least £8 million from participation in this seasons UEFA Champions League. Not to mention similar figures in recent seasons gone past.

It's been confirmed today by the agent of Hungarian playmaker Szabolcs Huszti, that Celtic were all for signing the 38- times capped twenty five year old from Hannover 96- but only on a pre contract agreement, with a view to signing the player for free in the summer, after his contract at the Bundesliga side had finished.

Zenit St Petersburg quickly stepped in, paid the £2.5 million required to get him now, and have paraded him as the replacement for Andrei Arshavin, who has moved to Arsenal.

With Rangers in well documented financial trouble, the board at Celtic Park may feel they have enough in their locker to retain the SPL title. This is a gamble that may backfire. Rangers had been expected to sell one, if not more, of their top players before the end of the window, but only fringe men Charlie Adam and Alan Gow left Ibrox. Kris Boyd, Barry Ferguson, Madjid Bougherra, Pedro Mendes, and Allan McGregor all, surprisingly, remain on the payroll in Govan.

With the lead at the top cut at the weekend, it's fair to assume that the hierarchy at Ibrox now feel it would have been suicide to sell. Better to gamble on winning the title, Champions League qualification, and the booty that goes with it rather than cash in now and give up the ghost.

Celtic had better hope that Dermot Desmond has not played a bogey with only a few holes left to play.