Celtic start to re-shape defence

ALTHOUGH their playing activities have been suspended for the time being, Celtic have started what promises to be a hectic few days of comings and goings at the club by signing defender Jos Hooiveld on a three-year contract from AIK Solna.

The 26-year-old has been bought for a 1.9 million fee and could be joined at Celtic by Sean St Ledger as manager Tony Mowbray continues re-shaping his defence. In order to capture the Preston North End centre-half, who has been out on loan at Gordon Strachan's Middlesbrough, Celtic could be required to offer another near 2 million sum.

Celtic's pursuit of St Ledger hinges on the club electing to increase a bid reportedly in the region of 1.75million. St Ledger, a Republic of Ireland internationalist, is keen to move to Parkhead. "We accept Sean wants to play at a higher level and has his international career to think of, so the ball is in Celtic's court," said Derek Shaw, the Preston North End chairman.

But the capture of Hooiveld at least gives Mowbray some peace of mind as he prepares to bid farewell to Gary Caldwell, one of three first-team centre-halves who have found themselves under increasing fire at Celtic this season. The Parkhead club have agreed a fee with Middlesbrough, and he looks set to tie-up a move today, along with team-mate Barry Robson. Caldwell has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Championship side, while Robson will sign up for two-and-a-half years.

Willo Flood and Chris Killen are also close to a reunion with Strachan at the Riverside in what is an intriguing gamble by the under pressure former Celtic manager. Both are also expected to complete their transfers today, with Middlesbrough taking over the players' Celtic contracts. In Flood's case, this is for 18 months. Killen, meanwhile, had six months remaining at Parkhead.

Caldwell represents the most significant loss, given his status as a Celtic regular. But he has not found the form this season which saw him named the Scottish player of the year in 2008/09. Glenn Loovens and club skipper Stephen McManus are the other centre-halves who have been heavily scrutinised during a campaign where Celtic have proved unusually hesitant at the back. Celtic supporters hope that Hooiveld can add some steel to the defence, where he is likely to team-up with fellow Dutchman Loovens in the middle of the back-four.

"I'm delighted to sign for a club of Celtic's stature," said Hooiveld. "Celtic has a magnificent history and is a club with great tradition and great supporters.

"Having visited the club and spoken to the manager, I feel this is the right place for me and I am very much looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and hopefully playing my part in bringing success to the club and our fans."

The 26-year-old has recovered from numerous setbacks to reach the stage where he has caught the eye of Mowbray, himself a former Celtic centre-half. He failed to establish himself at both Heerenveen in the Netherlands and the Austrian club Klapfenberg SV. During this time he was also rejected by Livingston after a trial with the club. His first bid to impress the Scottish side, then in the Premier League, was terminated due to the adverse weather. But manager Richard Gough brought him back again and played the defender in a bounce game against St Johnstone.

Gough chose not to pursue his interest but Hooiveld has since gone from strength to strength, having switched from Austria to Finland. He was voted best defender in the country when with FC Inter Turku, the club he joined in 2007. His consistent performances saw him win a move to Swedish club Aik Solna, who he helped lift the league and cup double.

Hooiveld could make his debut this weekend against Falkirk, as Celtic hope to return to active service following the double postponement of their Scottish Cup fourth round clash with Morton. Mowbray's side have played just once since Boxing Day but could be set for a frantic period next week. Celtic have been given an extra incentive to deal with Morton at the first of asking.

The clash with the First Division side at Cappielow has been re-scheduled for Monday, with the replay planned for the next again evening.

Scott McDonald, meanwhile, is expected to be out of action for the rest of the month. The Celtic striker, who remains a transfer target for Wigan Athletic, is due to fly to Germany this week for surgery on a hernia problem.