Hartson ‘shocked’ at West Brom reports

JOHN HARTSON is discussing his future with his agent Jonathan Barnett after being told he can leave Celtic.

The Welshman is “shocked and disappointed” after the club reportedly accepted a £500,000 offer from West Brom.

But the midlands might not be his next destination if he indeed leaves the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions, who refused to comment on the situation yesterday.

Hartson has been linked with a cut-price move to West Brom, and the 31-year-old frontman admits reports the club have accepted an offer has turned his world upside down.

Hartson, who wants to see out the remaining year of his contract, said: “I’m shocked and disappointed. I had no intention or desire to leave the club this summer and I would like the fans to know that.

“I’ve had things to resolve in my private life but I felt I had sorted everything out.

“I’ve retired from international football to give myself more time to see my kids and I was totally focused on going back to Celtic and trying to help the club reclaim the title and make a real push in the Champions League,” he said.

“I love the club so much. In fact, I’d spoken to friends recently about staying on for another year and ending my career in Glasgow. But now this. It has knocked me for six.”

Hartson added: “All I can do now is discuss with my agent what happens next and I’ll do that in the coming days.

“But right now I need some time to digest what has just happened. It has come as a bombshell.”

Celtic look set to hold further talks with former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune today.