Stoichkov stokes Celtic's Petrov problems
Stilian Petrov is set to give Celtic manager Gordon Strachan more problems with Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov demanding the Scottish champions let him skipper his country.
The 26-year-old handed in a written transfer request last week and Bulgaria fear his club could dig in their heels and prevent him playing Scotland and Japan in the Kirin Cup next month.
Celtic are under no obligation to release Petrov on May 7 when his international team-mates fly to the Far East, when they face Aberdeen in the final league game of the season.
The Hoops are committed to play Manchester United on May 9 in Roy Keane’s testimonial and two days later face Newcastle in Alan Shearer’s benefit game.
But Stoichkov said: “Celtic have already won the championship so what is the problem? They have two unofficial games but what is important here – an international tournament or games in Manchester and Newcastle?
“Of course Celtic are important and in different circumstances there is a need to find a solution. But in this case the need of Bulgaria is far more important.
“My decision is that I want Stilian and he wants to be with us 100%. My view is that he wants to be with us.”
The Celtic Supporters’ Association, meanwhile, have urged First Minister Jack McConnell to take action to prevent rival fans clashing at Tynecastle on Sunday.
The CSA believe the likelihood of disorder is high because Celtic fans are forced to share a stand with home supporters at the ground.
A statement said: “The CSA have serious concerns for the safety and security of all our supporters travelling to Tynecastle this weekend.
“Games at Tynecastle in the past few years have shown a potential for violence with particular flashpoints immediately outside the main stand and at the railway bridge en route to the bus park.
“The executive committee of the CSA have had talks with Peter Lawwell and Ronnie Hawthorn and highlighted all recent incidents.
“Hearts insist on accommodating home and away supporters in the same stand. We believe this to be a foolhardy decision and places our supporters at risk.
“Such was our concern we contacted the First Minister’s office at Holyrood asking Mr McConnell to intervene directly, however Mr McConnell believes this is a matter entirely for Hearts and the Edinburgh police.”
