NEXT BIG SIGNING?

[CELTIC1CALEY3]

10 CC on Grampian indicated he missed training today for talks with maybe our next big signing. Kelly has not signed for Kilmarnock so maybe he's back on the radar. It would be helpful to get Marius out of the spotlight.

[Alex MacLeod]

Is that 'big' as in 6' 11" and 14 stone

[Pele_Is_God]

Did CC actually say big signing? Could be Mann  :015: :016:

[caley100]

Nah, that would be a wide signing...

[Libero]

the irish guy who was on trial impressed Killie but they didnt pursue the deal because Derry wanted ?50k, why take him on trial if they werent prepared to meet his valuation.  :008:

IIRC he's on trial at Dundee untied but Gretna and ourselves were rumoured ot have expressed an interest

[Ritchie Sacramento]

10 CC on Grampian indicated he missed training today for talks with maybe our next big signing. Kelly has not signed for Kilmarnock so maybe he's back on the radar. It would be helpful to get Marius out of the spotlight.

We're interested in 3 players(2 on permanent deals, one on loan) with a good chance of 1 signing before Saturday according to Grassa in the courier today.

[Kingsmills]

I would be a relief to get some cover in defence before the transfer window closes.

[Guest TinCanFan]

10 CC on Grampian indicated he missed training today for talks with maybe our next big signing. Kelly has not signed for Kilmarnock so maybe he's back on the radar. It would be helpful to get Marius out of the spotlight.

We're interested in 3 players(2 on permanent deals, one on loan) with a good chance of 1 signing before Saturday according to Grassa in the courier today.

Bamba and Mann perhaps?

[CaleyD]

One new signing due to be announced this evening or at pre-match press conference tomorrow.  :004:

[kencar]

Any hints who it might be??  :024:

[Pele_Is_God]

Spill it CaleyD :003:

[CaleyD]

In all honesty I don't know who it is, all I know (or have been told) is that an announcement is due.

[Pele_Is_God]

My money is on the Derry City defender :022:

[Guest TinCanFan]

Luckily all the players ICT are linked with are pretty tall.  Bobby Mann is 1.93m (6"3), Sol Bamba is 1.90m and Darren Kelly is 1.86 (6"1).

[kencar]

Kelly is the only one we have been linked with. The other 2 have just been rumour or suggestions. Still you never know!!  :014:

[iloveeidurgudjohnsen]

v unlikely to be Kelly. His fiancee wants the move to be the central belt. Pity

[Guest donmac298]

I understand Celtic have been approached about Virgo and Cuthbert on a one year loan deal.

[vinnie87]

heard about cuthbert doubt we could afford to pay virgo's wages.

[Pele_Is_God]

He's on ?5000 a week I heard. He would be a good addition though.

[Libero]

Article from P&J here:

CALEY THISTLE IN MOVE TO SIGN CELTIC DEFENDERS

08:50 - 11 August 2007

Caley Thistle have launched an audacious bid to recruit Celtic defenders Scott Cuthbert and Adam Virgo on one-year loan deals.

The Highlanders only have four senior players - Grant Munro, Stuart McCaffrey, Ross Tokely and Richard Hastings - whose natural positions are at the back. They have been trying to bring in cover and wanted to sign someone in time for today's SPL trip to Motherwell.

That will not happen but hopes are high a deal can be struck with champions Celtic to bring at least one of their players north before next week's game at St Mirren.

Virgo spent last term on loan at Coventry City.

Cuthbert, Scotland's captain at this summer's under-20 World Cup in Canada, has yet to appear for the Celtic first team but did spend time at Livingston last season and the Bhoys are keen to farm him and Virgo out again for another year.

Caley Jags director of football Graeme Bennett said: "We have spoken to Celtic about both Scott and Adam. Discussions are ongoing and we will pick them up again next week."

[Guest TinCanFan]

Weren't some people on here slating Cuthbert for his performance in the U20s World Cup?

[Libero]

Weren't some people on here slating Cuthbert for his performance in the U20s World Cup?

dont think its fair to single out one player for being rubbish at the U20's as they pretty much were all crap! Cuthbert obviously is still showing potential otherwise he wouldnt still be a Celtic and i think he would relish a move like this to prove doubters wrong, Virgo i think could be a great addition if we get him too

[kencar]

I know we need defensive options but why would we try and loan 2 central defenders at the same time?  :024:

Wouldn't Celtic expect them to play every week?

[Libero]

i understand that permanent defensive signings would be ideal but seeing as were already into the season, have 4 experienced defenders and have not had much luck signing defensive cover then i think Virgo and/or Cuthbert would be good additions to the squad. Its highly unlikley that either player is likely to feature in the celtic first team this season so surely some top team football is better than none. They both seem like versatile players so could provide cover/competition and possibly even become first 11 players until we can secure defenders on permanent deals.

virgo - The versatile 23-year-old played at right-back and centre-back, while proving to be a prolific goalscorer when utilised as a stand-in striker and was recommended to Gordon Strachan by former Celt and then Brighton manager, Mark McGhee.

Cuthbert - A product of the Celtic Youth Academy who was first included in the first-team squad three years ago, Scottish youth internationalist Cuthbert is a commanding central defender who is comfortable on the ball. Cuthbert has forged a formidable defensive partnership with Darren O?Dea at both Under-19 and reserve levels in recent seasons and is seen a defender of massive potential. He is expected to captain the Scotland Under-20 side at this summer?s World Cup.

[Libero]

found this on Darren Kelly who according to rumours is attarcting the attention of CC, sounds ok anyway:

Kelly made his debut in the City colours aged just 16 and is in his second spell at the club, having been sold to Carlisle for ?100,000 when Kevin Mahon was in charge.

That move didn't work out for the Creggan man, and after a spell with Portadown, returned to club last season.

Kelly slotted in seamlessly, and scored the crucial equaliser away to Gretna when City dished out the famous 5-1 hammering.

Known for his fantastic aerial ability, Kelly is confident with the ball at his feet and is commonly regarded as one of the best defenders in the League.

Recognition of this fact came as Kelly was named in the Premier Division Team of the Year in 2006.

Having missed half of last season, Darren will be looking to start this season with a bang, hoping to add to the two League goals he managed last time out.

Last updated Feb 2007

quoted fromthe derry city website