Football: O'Neill dismisses swap link

Martin O'Neill has reacted angrily to suggestions by Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond that Celtic are discussing a swap deal involving Tommy Johnson and Stan Collymore.

The Valley Parade chief implied this week that the Glasgow giants were ready to offload Johnson in exchange for the controversial striker.

But while the Parkhead boss admitted he was on the look out for a new front man and refused to rule out Collymore - he denied that any talks had taken place.

O'Neill blasted: "I couldn't care less if the Bradford chairman says that he's in discussions with Celtic football club.

"If he is doing it he's doing it without my permission or my knowledge.

"Tommy Johnson is a target because he will be out of contract at the end of the season.

"I know this has come from a third party so I don't care what the Bradford chairman is talking about.

"I think it's just another situation where Stan or anybody else is linked

"I like to do business myself by conversation between manager and manager - and I still like to think that exists, even though that might be difficult."

O'Neill stressed that he does not want Johnson to go anywhere.

The former Aston Villa, Derby County and Notts County star's current deal expires in the summer, but the Celtic boss wants him to stay.

O'Neill admitted: "We never stop looking around for good centre forwards.

"But Tommy Johnson is an important player for us and does a great job when he is called upon.

"There are three strikers at this minute, and Mark Burchill is back at home and anything could happen once he is fully fit.

"We definitely need strengthening, but I think that's always been the case and we'll keep monitoring the situation."

O'Neill will sit down with Johnson and the other players who are near the end of their contract when they return to Scotland this weekend, but he admits there is not a lot he can do if the players decide to quit the club for pastures new.

O'Neill continued: "We will genuinely lose players along the way and I've not had the chance to speak to Tommy Johnson to see what he wants to do about his own future.

"Let's not forget the players are actually in a good position, but I haven't yet had the chance to speak to the players."

Lubo Moravcik is another Celtic player who is out of contract at the end of the season.

O'Neill will try to persuade him to stay and postpone his repayments.

Miami Fusion coach Ray Hodgson is keen to bring him back to Florida, but O'Neill has had no approach from the British exile and wants the Slovakian star to continue playing in Glasgow.

O'Neill joked: "I haven't had the chance to speak to Lubo yet but I will do.

"This story is an interesting one because he's Ray Hodgson and he's been leaving messages on our phone - and we thought it was Roy Hodgson.

"Now I know who it is I'll return his calls."

O'Neill has enjoyed a comfortable first six months at the club - but he insists his worst moment was not the 5-1 drubbing at Rangers.

Instead, he feels the biggest blow in his new career was bowing out to Bordeaux in the Uefa Cup.

O'Neill recalled: "There's the ugliest lows like getting well beaten at Ibrox.

"But the more disappointing thing was going out to Bordeaux in a game I genuinely believed we should have won - and they weren't a bad team."

Celtic drew with American outfit Tampa Bay Mutiny overnight and the Ulsterman believes it was the perfect preparation for their return to competitive action in the Scottish Cup at Stranraer next Sunday.

O'Neill said: "This has been as good as any trip I've been on and the weather has been excellent for us.

"It has sorted the boys out after coming back from family holidays and it has worked a treat before the game against Stranraer."

O'Neill's men battled back from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils.

The new-look midfield partnership of Neil Lennon and Paul Lambert, who were paired together for the first time, were taught a footballing lesson by veteran Colombian superstar Carlos Valderrama in the first 45 minutes.

The incredible American green and white army were left mesmerised by the skills of the 39-year-old midfielder, who produced the perfect cross for Eric Quill to fire home the opener after just 14 minutes.

Shortly after, Stephane Mahe was on hand to clear Mamadou Diallo's effort off the line, after Valderrama's magical through ball, before the flamboyant star set up Manny Lagos to double their advantage in the 31st minute.

Valderrama did not emerge for the second half and Celtic responded to that by reducing the deficit when Tommy Johnson fired home from close range in the 53rd minute.

O'Neill's side were buoyed by the departure of Valderrama and on the hour mark they were on level terms when Alan Thompson smashed an unstoppable 20-yard drive into the top corner to earn his side a draw.