O'Neill urges Adams to carry on

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill believes Tony Adams could still prove a useful option for Arsenal to have in their squad next season - even if it was for just a limited number of games.

Adams’ entertaining testimonial - the unofficial Battle of Britain between English Double-winners Arsenal and Scottish champions Celtic - ended all square at 1-1.

And afterwards, the former England skipper said: ‘‘If I think I can perform at the highest level, in the way I’ve been doing, I’ll stay another year.’’

O’Neill backed that sentiment, adding: ‘‘He’s been extraordinary over the last 16 or 17 years.

‘‘There aren’t too many of him around and there wasn’t a club in the Europe that wouldn’t have wanted him at centre-half for his influence in the dressing room as much as anything else.

‘‘The last year has been just injuries for him, but if he felt fit in the summer, I’m sure Arsene Wenger would want him to stay for another season and play maybe 10 or 15 games. It will probably depend on his state of fitness.’’

Adams, 35, has been a Gunner for 19 years - but faces a scan on his injured knee today and will meet boss Arsene Wenger to decide his future inside the next fortnight.

The veteran centre-back is expected to make his decision on whether to extend his career while on holiday in France during the World Cup.

‘‘The fans don’t want to see an average Tony Adams out there and I’m too proud to put in mediocre performances,’’ he added.

‘‘I want to be fair to everybody and I want to be there lifting trophies. If not, it’s thank you very much and I’m off to play my piano.

‘‘I need to get my knee checked out as I didn’t play the last two league games after getting little problem after the FA Cup final. I’ve got an MRI scan and I’ll see the doctor on Wednesday.

‘‘I haven’t spoken to Arsene (about the future) since Saturday. He’s going to Japan and I’m going to the south of France on May 28, so we’re planning on meeting before then.

‘‘Arsene’s very interested in talking to me and he’s always been honest with me.’’

In the showpiece match, Celtic’s Alan Thompson smacked a 20-yard free-kick past John Lukic in the 37th minute to give the Scots a deserved 1-0 lead.

And Gunners veteran Lee Dixon stole Adams’ thunder when he equalised in the 68th minute with a very rare goal, a firm header from Nigel Winterburn’s cross.

Arsenal’s England stars David Seaman, Martin Keown, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell were forced to miss the match as they were on the national team’s flight to the World Cup training camp in Dubai.

But the sell-out 38,021 Highbury crowd did not complain, as their veteran replacements - West Ham’s Winterburn and retired trio Lukic, Steve Bould and Ian Wright - all received heroes’ welcomes.

Adams is donating around £500,000 (€801,000) from last night’s profits to the Sporting Chance charity he set up to help sportsmen and women with drink, drug and gambling problems.

Celtic, who had already beaten Manchester United, Leeds and Leicester in testimonials this season, attacked throughout and their 6,000 fans who had made the 800-mile round trip from Glasgow created a thrilling atmosphere.