Kljestan hat-trick hero in US after week-long trial at Parkhead

Published on Sunday 25 January 2009 22:11

A YOUNGSTER who was on trial at Celtic last week was hailed in the US last night after scoring the national side's first hat-trick for 75 years.

Sacha Kljestan, 23, was barely noticed by the media in Scotland last week when he spent seven days training at Celtic's Lennoxtown base. But he hit the headlines in the US at the weekend for his record-breaking three goals in a friendly with Sweden.

The Los Angeles Times said: "It's amazing what a few days in Scotland can do for a soccer player."

Kljestan is an American immigrant from Serbia who plays his club football with Major League Soccer team Chivas USA. He only flew back to California on Thursday afternoon before spearheading his country's 3-2 victory on Saturday.

One US newspaper asked: "Was it the Scottish air, water, or the prospect of being offered a hefty contract by Celtic that suddenly turned Kljestan, 23, into a goalscorer on the international level? He had not scored in 12 games for the US." The player said: "I don't think so. I had a good training experience over there. I enjoyed my time. It's a different style, but it's real professional."

According to some reports, Celtic have offered just under 2 million to Chivas USA for the midfielder. Chivas believe Kljestan is worth more, and Saturday's performance can only have increased his valuation.

Another player who could be on his way to Celtic is Dundee United's on-loan midfielder Willo Flood – and the Tannadice club accept there is nothing they can do about it. The Republic of Ireland B international is in the middle of his second season-long loan from Cardiff City, with his contract with the Welsh club up in the summer.

The Dublin-born 23-year-old has been in contract talks with United but seems certain to snub their offer for a lucrative move to his boyhood heroes.

United chairman Stephen Thompson admits the club are powerless to stop him leaving.

"It's outwith our control, really, because he's just on loan to us from Cardiff," Thompson said. "We won't get a say in it. It's really up to them what happens and if Celtic have an offer accepted, which we presume they will, the decision will be Willo's."