31st December 2007

Old Firm welcome postponement
 

Walter Smith and Gordon Strachan have unified in backing the decision to postpone Wednesday’s Old Firm derby in respect of Phil O’Donnell.

O’Donnell, a former Celtic favourite, died at the age of 35 after collapsing during Motherwell’s clash with Dundee United, sending Scottish football into a collective state of mourning.

Strachan admits he could not contemplate trying to think football at such a time, and he was joined by Smith in paying tribute to the former Scotland international.

"At the weekend you usually put plans together about what you are going to do, who you are going to play," said Strachan.

"It's just not been a talking point round about here or households of Celtic people.

“Phil's second club was probably Celtic friends-wise and from the reaction, when the news came through the other day, you knew he had a lot of close friends here, that's for sure. I don't think I've seen a reaction like that in football.

"We've had legendary figures dying on us but at an older age. For a young man to be taken away.... I think we are all trying to get our heads round the fact he has got four kids and a young wife.

"I've only bumped into him a couple of times and you come away thinking 'he's a nice lad'."

Rangers boss Smith added: "I didn't know the boy that well but he was an opponent on a great number of occasions over the years and he always conducted himself extremely well.

"It's a very difficult time for everyone, especially the lad's family. Our thoughts across football would go to his family first and foremost.

"I don't think you can think about playing. For those of us that are in the game, the only thing that matters is that we show a proper degree of sympathy to his family.

"That's the main thing. Football is fairly irrelevant at this stage."

O7th December 2007

Ex Celt John Collins rules out Riordan bid

Riordan, 24, is looking to leave Parkhead in the January transfer window after struggling to make an impact since signing from Hibs 18 months ago.

But Collins is not interested in landing the unsettled striker, who scored 65 times during five seasons with the Edinburgh club.

"I don't think Derek is the type of player we're looking for," he said to the media.

"I haven't actually seen him play 90 minutes so it's a tough call for me.

"I know he did very well when he was here but, one thing is for sure, he would be well outside our wage limit anyway.

"We really need to strengthen other places. It is not a priority position for us now."