THE ESSENTIAL

Celtic have lost their appeal against Scott Brown's dismissal during the 1-0 Old Firm derby defeat to Rangers.

Tony Mowbray says Celtic must concentrate on their own play and not Rangers. The Bhoys cut their Glasgow rivals' lead at the top of the SPL to eight points after beating Hearts 2-0, but Mowbray said: "Every point dropped by Rangers is important as we try to chip away at their lead, but we have to look after our own game."

Robbie Keane's Celtic debut ended in defeat as the Bhoys were beaten 1-0 at Kilmarnock. Chris Maguire's goal early in the second half was enough to separate the teams.

Belarus defender Dmitry Verkhovtsov has accused SPL giants Celtic of wasting his time following his three-day trial with the club.

Middlesbrough remain in talks with Celtic after Boro boss Gordon Strachan attempts to bolster his squad with the signings of three Bhoys stars.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has played down speculation linking midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen with Old Firm giants Celtic.

The Old Firm should reconcile themselves once and for all with staying in Scotland, according to SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster.

Premier League clubs have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to allow SPL giants Celtic and Rangers to join England's top tier.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has become the latest Premier League boss to back the Old Firm's bid to join the competition.

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc has undergone surgery on his injured knee and faces three weeks on the sidelines at Parkhead.

TRANSFERS

Who? - Jay Simpson
Where is he? - Arsenal
Who is he linked with? - Celtic
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Who? - Aiden McGeady
Where is he? - Celtic
Who is he linked with? - Birmingham City
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