Healy set to leave Celtic and join Everton

CELTIC youngster Colin Healy is expected to complete his move to Everton within the next 48 hours — but his agent is not convinced that leaving Parkhead is a good move for the Cork-born midfielder.

The Republic of Ireland star is seeking a transfer before his contract expires this summer to keep his international ambitions alive.

The two clubs are thrashing out the finer points of the move, according to Healy's agent Mel Stein, who said: "Celtic and Everton are quite close to a deal, but they haven't reached an agreement yet."

Stein yesterday admitted that is client's leaving the Scottish Premier League champions is a big decision, but he believes that if he has to go then Everton is the club for him.

On the progress of the deal, Stein added: "I have no idea when it is likely to be concluded because I have no control over it so it's now just between the two clubs.

"If they do come to an agreement then Colin will be an Everton player before the transfer window closes if they don't he won't.

"I'm not sure a move away from Celtic is a good move at all because Celtic are such a massive club.

"But if you are going to go anywhere then Everton is a good move for any player."

With Healy set for the Parkhead exit door, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is facing a midfield headache on the resumption of the season.

The SFA confirmed yesterday that Alan Thompson will miss their matches with Dundee United, Partick Thistle and Livingston after picking up his sixth booking.

But he will be eligible to play in Celtic's Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren on January 25. His booking for dissent in the tunnel immediately after the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen on January 2 has pushed him over the disciplinary points barrier.

Meanwhile, Southampton manager Gordon Strachan has won the Barclaycard Manager of the Month Award for December.

Southampton won two and drew three of their Premiership matches in December and lie sixth in the League awards panel said: "These truly are great times for the St Mary's faithful, they are sixth in league, their best-ever Premiership position.

"This is largely due the commitment, experience and knowledge of manager Gordon Strachan And with players like James Beattie and Wayne Bridge doing so well, it looks likely to continue."