McNamara ready to sign
Celtic captain Jackie McNamara insists he is now ready to sign a new contract.
The versatile Scotland international has been one of the Hoops’ most consistent performers this season, but will be out of contract this summer.
The 31-year-old is currently in his testimonial year at Parkhead but to extend his stay by two more years.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is also hopeful a new deal for McNamara will be signed shortly.
But the player is prepared to wait until the dust settles after the close of the transfer window.
McNamara said: “I will have to wait and see.
“The gaffer will speak to my agent but I think the most important thing is the team now.
“Obviously, the boss has been trying to strengthen during the transfer window and I’m sure that, now it is closing, things will get sorted out.
“I hope to stay at the club. I have been here a long time and, hopefully, it will be a bit longer.”
But the Scotland international concedes the potential loss of Bobo Balde would be a major blow, with Middlesbrough waiting in the wings for the Parkhead defender.
McNamara added: “Bobo was fantastic in the win at Kilmarnock on Sunday and is a big player for us.
“But he is a free agent along with a couple of other boys. We want him to stay, but he has got to do what is best for him.”
But one player Celtic are glad to be staying put is inspirational figure Chris Sutton.
The former Chelsea and Blackburn forward illustrated his importance to O’Neill by hitting the winner from the spot at Kilmarnock on Sunday.
That win restored Celtic’s three-point lead over Rangers at the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.
It was Sutton’s seventh goal in eight games and Hoops’ goalkeeper Rob Douglas is backing the 31-year-old to be earning personal accolades at the end of the season.
Douglas said: “Chris is a massive player for us and can play well anywhere in the side.
“He has been our top man and will be there or thereabouts for the top awards at the end of the season.
“His contribution to this team is amazing whatever position he plays. He is always confident from the spot.”
