Valgaeren urges Bhoys to give Vega new deal

Celtic defender Joos Valgaeren has urged the club to put Ramon Vega out of his misery by rewarding him with a long-term deal.

Celtic defender Joos Valgaeren has urged the club to put Ramon Vega out of his misery by rewarding him with a long-term deal.

The Swiss international has comfortably slotted in alongside Valgaeren and Swedish star Johan Mjallby at the back since his move from Tottenham in December.

But despite not conceding any goals in four games and netting twice - one behind Valgaeren - his future with the club still hangs in the balance.

Valgaeren was signed until the end of the season, allowing manager Martin O'Neill time to assess his credentials.

The defender has gone public with his desire to remain at Parkhead and O'Neill has revealed that he will sit down round the table to talk with the player during the winter break.

The Belgium international, however, believes his defensive partner has done enough to earn him a new contract and feels the club should not hesitate any longer.

Valgaeren said: "I think when you look at the results and the fact we haven't let in any goals in the four games we have played together speaks for itself.

"He's a strong boy, he's fast, he's good in the air and on the ground and is an all-round great defender.

"He's got experience in all levels - he's played in Italy and important games in the World Cup so like I say he's a very good player.

"He's bounced back from a disappointing time with Tottenham to prove just how good a player he really is.

"What happens now is out of my hands and that is a matter for the manager and the club.

"But he has shown already that he wouldn't let anyone down at the club if he was to stay longer."

The Celtic side were today relaxing in the luxury setting of Orlando in the knowledge they have a nine-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League when the campaign restarts on January 31 at St Johnstone.

The Belgium international has played an integral part in the rejuvenation of Celtic under O'Neill and has proved to be value for money following his move from Roda JC in the summer.

But he is a perfectionist and he is not satisfied with some of his performances and has promised to be even more ruthless after the winter shut-down.

Valgaeren explained: "I think I started fairly well and got used to the pace of the game.

"I played some good games that I've been very happy with and some games I didn't play that well in - but luckily they didn't turn out to be bad results.

"I hope I get better with the winter break and in the games I play for Celtic until the end of this season and who knows I might have some trophies to celebrate."

Valgaeren also feels that the American adventure has helped to relax the players before a very crucial part of the season.

The Parkhead side come back to face Stranraer in the Scottish Cup before they meet St Johnstone, Hearts and old firm rivals Rangers in a vital double header.

But he has applauded the Hoops' decision to go to Florida and feels the players will come back refreshed and ready to complete the job they started.

Valgaeren admitted: "I think it's the best circumstances you can have to play football in so I think it's a really good decision of Celtic to come to Florida.

"Every year I've had a winter break in Holland and Belgium - but we usually stay in Europe and gone to places like Italy or Turkey.

"I'm used to going on winter breaks although this is a bit further away than most trips and a lot more hotter.

"It's a good break for us and it's true that it does take all the pressure off us for a time.

"There are still important games coming up but we've got three or four weeks off and I think the players will come back ready and their personalities will see them return to action focused and concentrating on winning games and trophies again."

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