In-demand George playing it cool

WHEN Glasgow Celtic scouts have shadowed his every move in Ireland for the last month, you know that George O’Callaghan is the hottest property in Irish soccer.

And while the Scottish giants have never been far from his heart, "flattered" is the only word he can use to highlight the interest of Gordon Strachan's club as speculation mounts on a daily basis about his future on Leeside.

The latest is that Bolton Wanderers are interested, that Scunthorpe in town last week were also seduced by his skills on a recent visit to the Cross. But the Celtic link is intriguing.

"I've always dreamed of playing for Celtic," the player admitted after picking up this month's Jurys Sports Star award. "They have said they're interested and have watched me over the last few weeks. But I'm realistic enough to know that dreams don't always come true. It is very flattering to say that they have been here for almost a month. I'm delighted with that myself - it has shown my progress this season."

If you are a stoic supporter of the Scottish Premier League, it wouldn't be a misjudgement to say that O'Callaghan would look at home across the sea. "I've always been a Celtic fan. When they came up to me after one eircom game and said they were interested, it was an unbelievable feeling to know that. But I have to be realistic as well. I see the players Celtic have but I know I could easily do a job in the Scottish Premier Division."

His realism over dream moves hasn't detracted from his present tour of duty with Cork City, which sees the Leesiders comfortably atop the eircom Premier league and 90 minutes from another round of UEFA Cup football. His own growth as a player is mirrored in the team's ascension to being the best team in Ireland this season.

"I think we've grown as a team over the last three years; it's coming to fruition this season. The lads are more experienced, they are beginning to see out games and are not panicking and I think it's all coming with age. I think there is a confidence in the squad now as well. Players like Fenny (Neale Fenn), (Liam) Kearney and Roy (O'Donovan), they have stepped up another notch this season.

"Last year maybe coming out of the European games we weren't feeling right and lost league games, because it was the first time we had all played in Europe. This year we set a goal for the league. In pre-season we all said we were going to win the league. A good example would be after our return from Lithuania we went to Drogheda and carved out a win. The whole mentality is geared towards winning."

If Celtic are to make a bid, perhaps they should take a look at him on a European stage. Where passing and skill are the requisites, O'Callaghan fits the mould perfectly.

"I love playing in Europe. Obviously it's a great experience and it's something I never thought about even in my Port Vale days. You have more time on the ball and a freedom to express yourself. And this team has a great record in Europe - we've only lost one in seven.

As for tomorrow and the visit of FC Ekranus for the second leg, O'Callaghan is confident that Cork can close out the tie.

"I think they have a good side. People forget they hit the post in the first fifteen minutes and if they scored, who knows how the game might have panned out. But this team is getting a lot of results; we're keeping a lot of clean sheets.

"I don't think they'll cope with the pace we play at. I think they are slow in passing. Even in the league teams can't cope with the pace we play at and the players we have. They'll be in for a shock for the first 20 minutes when we hammer into them."