Pearson is staying at Celtic: Strachan

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan has slapped a “not for sale” sign on Stephen Pearson as he revealed Mo Camara could be moving to Derby County.

Scotland international Pearson looked set to be going to Pride Park early this week after Rams boss Billy Davies claimed his offer — believed to be in the region of £600,000 (€760,000) — had been given the thumbs up by the Parkhead club.

But Strachan has made it clear the 23-year-old is part of his future plans.

The Hoops boss said: “I speak to Stephen a lot, as it is my duty as a manager, and I like speaking to him. His enthusiasm for the game — as we saw the other night against Chelsea — is fantastic. He can do a lot for the future of the club and there will be systems where he will be valuable and he is not going anywhere at all.”

But Camara, who joined from Burnley last summer, is set to join up with Davies.

Strachan added: “Mo is speaking to Derby at the moment and Adam Virgo has gone to Coventry, which frees up a bit of finance.”

But the future of Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov still remains a concern for supporters. Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill looks set to launch a bid for the want-away Bulgaria international, although Strachan insisted: “There is nothing happening.”

But Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell is working hard on trying to bring in three new players before the transfer window closes.

Strachan added: “Peter is active in two or three things now. We are trying to see where value for money is. I cannot go into detail, but we are out and about in Europe, which is not easy at the moment.

“Two players would be a help — three would be great help. You know I am looking for a striker, but the rest I will keep to myself. You might get players who can play in a few areas and that might be handy.”

Strachan has just Kenny Miller and Maciej Zurawski, who both played for 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea, fit for attacking roles. But, although hamstring-victim Craig Beattie is on the mend, the Celtic boss wants a choice of four front men.

Strachan also dismissed suggestions captain Neil Lennon would leave the club after finding himself on the bench for the defeat at Hearts last weekend.

Strachan is also set to appeal against any touchline ban the Scottish FA might impose after his dismissal during the defeat at Hearts.