Hartley ready to sign for Bristol City

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 23:13

HEARTS look to have lost out to Bristol City in the race to sign former Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley.

The 32-year-old Scotland internationalist, available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at Parkhead, spent four years at Tynecastle before moving to Celtic, but a return to Edinburgh now appears off.

Greek side Iraklis Saloniki had also made an offer for Hartley, but

the player is due to head to Bristol early next week for a medical ahead of moving to the Championship club, for whom he is expected to sign a two-year deal.

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo does however hope to have new players on board the squad's flight to Germany on Monday.

Meanwhile, Scott McDonald has been named Celtic captain for their pre-season match in his native Australia.

The striker will lead out his team-mates for the clash against Brisbane Roar on 12 July. Regular captain Stephen McManus will miss the trip with a knee injury, allowing McDonald to wear the armband. "I am absolutely delighted," he said. "As a life-long Celtic supporter, I realise just how great an honour it is to be given the captaincy for this match.

"I'd like to thank the manager for this opportunity. My family will be among the thousands of supporters who are all looking forward to the club's visit and it will, personally, be a real honour to lead the team out on this trip to Australia."