SPL: O’Neill waiting on Balde decision

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill expects to hear tomorrow whether or not he has landed summer transfer target Bobo Balde.

O’Neill is hoping to have news of his move for the Toulouse defender as he prepares his side for the start of the new season in a fortnight’s time, although he remains confident that he will get his man.

‘‘With regards to Bobo Balde, at this moment it is still not completed and I am not sure what the ins and outs are,’’ he said. ‘‘We should know by Monday.

‘‘I am not sure of everything that is going on, but I am not really concerned.

‘‘However, until somebody actually signs for you, they are never your player.’’

However, while there may be changes at the back at Celtic Park, it seems that things at the other end of the field are progressing nicely.

Hotshot Henrik Larsson sent out a chill warning for the new season on Saturday when he took just 90 seconds to find his way back on to the scoresheet.

The Swedish international, who scored a staggering 53 goals last season as the Bhoys rampaged to a domestic treble, put his side on the road to a 2-0 friendly victory over Queen’s Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Substitute Lubomir Moravcik doubled Celtic’s advantage 17 minutes from time and while O’Neill was not placing too much importance on the scoreline, he was delighted with the sharpness shown by his star striker.

‘‘I thought we did well enough,’’ he said.

‘‘We are only two weeks away from the start of the season now, so it’s not far away.

‘‘I thought Henrik Larsson was superb as he only came back for training last Monday and was starting to get a bit of cramp towards the end.

‘‘His goal was excellent and he could have scored two or three more, but I’m sure his touch will improve as the pre-season continues.

‘‘He may have scored 53 goals last season, but I’m sure he won’t be setting any targets for himself this year.

‘‘If he continues to improve, bringing other people into the game, then I’m sure he will keep doing well, and that’s all you can ask of him.’’

O’Neill fielded a strong starting line-up which also included former Chelsea frontman Chris Sutton and Finnish trialist Joonas Kolkka, currently on the books at PSV Eindhoven in Holland.

‘‘Chris Sutton is one that takes a bit of time to get properly fit, but I’m sure that once he’s up and running he’ll be fine as well,’’ said O’Neill.

‘‘I also thought that Joonas Kolkka showed some nice touches considering it was his first game for quite a while.

‘‘I will make a decision on whether or not to buy him over the weekend because I understand PSV are keen to know one way or another because he has other options.

‘‘As far as I am aware, we have already agreed a fee with PSV so that he was allowed to play for us on Saturday, but I am not sure exactly how much it is.’’

Israeli midfielder Eyal Berkovic was the target of the travelling boo-boys in London as speculation continued that his future lies away from Glasgow, but O’Neill was diplomatic on the subject.

‘‘It’s the supporters’ prerogative to do what they want and if the results don’t go well for us, then I’m sure we’ll all be in line for some booing,’’ he said.

‘‘But Eyal is still here and playing for us. No-one has made any offers for him.’’