Moravcik confirms Far East departure

Celtic star Lubo Moravcik will join up with his former Parkhead boss Dr Jozef Venglos at Japanese J-League outfit Ichihara when he quits the club this summer.

The veteran playmaker will leave the club after playing in this weekend’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup final against Rangers and the Scottish Premier League match at Aberdeen the following week.

But after months of deliberating, the 36-year-old admits his next destination will be the Far East to join up with an old friend.

Moravcik said: ‘‘I will probably go to Japan, but it’s not yet official.

‘‘I have only a few days before I will say something for certain, but I have something to do here first.

‘‘I have wanted to push talk of my future to one side, but I have had time to think and I have decided to go to Japan at the end of the season to Ichihara with Dr Jozef Venglos.’’

Meanwhile, Celtic youngster Shaun Maloney is not the new Moravcik, according to the departing star.

But the Slovakian believes the 18-year-old will make a name for himself and become a Parkhead favourite in the future.

The Scotland Under-21 player scored two goals and missed a penalty in Sunday’s 4-1 victory at Hearts.

And even though he still has some way to go, in terms of ability, Moravcik is tipping him for the top.

He said: ‘‘He showed his talent in the last game with a fantastic free-kick and he also showed that he can miss a penalty like me.

‘‘The guy has got big talent and will be a very important part of Celtic in the future.

‘‘His confidence comes from his ability because he knows he has the quality and he tries to do his best.

‘‘It doesn’t matter what age you are. Diego Maradona played at 16 and these are good players.

‘‘With more experience he can be more effective in the game, but talent is talent and gift is gift.’’