Hartson to sign new deal
Celtic striker John Hartson has indicated he will stay at Parkhead for the rest of his career.
The Wales international netted twice for the Hoops in their 4-2 win at Kilmarnock yesterday, taking them to the top of the Scottish Premier League table.
The former Arsenal man is in the final year of his current deal but manager Martin O’Neill has indicated he will begin negotiations with Hartson, Bobo Balde and Neil Lennon when the transfer window closes.
Hartson said: “It is fantastic news. If that’s the case let’s sit down and come to an agreement because I am happy to sign.
“I always said I thought I’d return to the Premiership one day but I’m 29 now and if I was to sign a three or four-year deal it would take me to 33.
“Realistically that would mean me spending my best years here and it’s more than likely I’d end my playing days at Celtic. At 33 I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else and doing as well as I have here.”
Hartson has suffered from back injuries in the past two seasons but has now declared himself fully fit for the first time in 18 months.
Balde and Lennon are also in the final season of their current contracts. Balde, the Guinea international, is currently sidelined by a malaria-type illness.
