| Celtic want to make sure that they keep hold of their prize assets for a while longer.
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 | Petrov is a must have signing for O'Neill |
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It is not just the clubs that traditionally fill places 3-12 in the SPL that are trying to get players to agree new deals. Celtic are hoping that they will be able to persuade Stilian Petrov and Shaun Maloney to new long-term deals at Parkhead. The discussions with Petrov have been going on for some time and boss Martin O'Neill is hopeful of finalising an extended contract with the Bulgarian soon. While this may be cautious (as Petrov still has three years to go on his current deal) O'Neill wants to make sure that Petrov nails his colours to the Celtic mast for the foreseeable future.
Of course, the club are really keen on making sure Maloney gets his due reward for breaking into the first team two seasons ago. Now that Lubo Moravcik has moved on, Celtic will be looking to more and more to Maloney to get more games and gain more experience. O'Neill is hopeful that deals can be reached with both players soon so that he can get down to finalising his plans for the new season and beyond. O'Neill said: "I would assume the contracts (for Maloney and Petrov) are little more than a formality now. We were looking to improve Stilian's contract in any case, but he's still got another three years to run so it is not a major worry. As for Shaun, he has done very well. He knows how difficult it's going to be to break into the side but he is capable of doing it. His attitude is top class and I shouldn't imagine sorting out his contract will be a major problem." There is one cloud on the horizon of Celtic's forward plan. French defender Bobo Balde is struggling to be fit for the start of the season in three weeks time. His hamstring injury is not healing as fast as he would like. He looks as if he will miss most of the rest of pre-season but he is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be fit for the big kick-off on August 3rd. Balde said: " I have an injury to my hamstring right now which is a little bit sore, and it will stop me playing in some of the friendly matches. But the main thing is that I am fit for the start of the season, particularly the start of the Champions League. That is the best club tournament any footballer can play in, and it was an honour for me to be involved last year. I'll be back for that, and then it will be up to the manager whether I play or not." I wonder how many forwards will be hoping that Martin O'Neill decides that Balde should not play at all.
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