Celtic finalising deal to bring Izaguirre to Glasgow

Celtic were today hoping to announce their second signing in 48 hours as they bid to wrap up the transfer of Honduras left-back Emilio Izaguirre from Motagua in his homeland.

The 24-year-old, who won his 44th cap at the World Cup, is set to follow Sweden centre-back Daniel Majstorovic who completed his free transfer from AEK Athens yesterday.

The 33-year-old looked to be every bit the imposing figure Neil Lennon was looking for to bolster his defence and he could make his debut in Thursday's Europa League play-off first leg against Utrecht at Celtic Park.

Majstorovic said: "Wherever I have been, I was playing and I was an important player for the team. I tried to be a leader in the team and I will do the same here. It is a big club with winners in all the positions but I'm still very, very hungry even though I'm 33."

Celtic will be without Gary Hooper against Utrecht and the former Scunthorpe striker could be out until October after being diagnosed with a torn calf.

The 22-year-old sat out the opening SPL victory over Inverness on Saturday after suffering the injury during a pre-season friendly against Blackburn.

Paddy McCourt is doubtful for the European game after suffering a whiplash injury when Shaun Maloney's celebrations proved overly-physical after the Northern Ireland winger scored a superb solo goal at Inverness on Saturday.