Gravesen exits Celtic, as Stoke get Webster on loan

Published on Monday 18 August 2008 22:07

THOMAS Gravesen's unsuccessful spell at Celtic has finally come to an end. The Scottish champions have confirmed they have parted company with the Danish midfielder.

The 32-year-old signed from Real Madrid in August 2006 but was unable to establish himself in the first team at Celtic. He returned to former club Everton on loan last season but failed to win a permanent move to Goodison.

Gravesen was given a surprise start in a pre-season friendly against Manchester City, but was not involved in the two SPL games against St Mirren and Dundee United.

A statement on the official website, www.celtifc.net, read: "Celtic Football Club, Thomas Gravesen and Thomas' representatives have agreed that he will part company with the club. Thomas wishes Celtic every success and, likewise, the club wishes Thomas all the very best for the future."

Meanwhile, Rangers defender Andy Webster has joined Coca-Cola Championship side Bristol City on loan until January. The defender, 26, has been allowed to leave Ibrox in search of first-team football after suffering a series of injuries since his arrival on loan from Wigan in January 2007.

Webster signed a three-year deal with Rangers earlier this summer and manager Walter Smith believes the short-term move to England will help him get his career back on track.

Motherwell had also confirmed their interest in the player, but he will now spend the next six months south of the border instead.

Smith told the Ibrox website, www.rangers.co.uk: "We have allowed Andy to go on loan to Bristol City until the January transfer window.

"We feel it will be beneficial for him to get first-team football there and we hope he can return to the level we all know he is capable of.

"Andy has had a torrid time since he arrived at Rangers and it will be good for him to get games every week in another environment."