Martin should move in for Matt - Elliott

Former Celtic defender Paul Elliott has urged Hoops manager Martin O’Neill to bring namesake, Matt, north to Glasgow.

Leicester and Scotland defender Matt Elliott has been handed a free transfer by the Foxes as they attempt to slash their wage bill.

The news is certain to interest O’Neill as he searches for faces to augment his squad for another assault on the Champions League.

And now Paul Elliott believes the Leicester captain has all the necessary qualities to help the Hoops.

Elliott laughed: ‘‘I heard the news about Matt and I’m surprised he is not on his way to Parkhead already!

‘‘I saw all Celtic’s games in the Champions League last season and they were so unlucky.

‘‘You just sense that expectation is now growing around Martin and he will want to develop that and show a very positive side.

‘‘In fact, it was naive defending at times, which actually cost them.

‘‘Celtic are a huge, huge club and playing in front of 67,000 people every week will be a great influence.

‘‘Matt is a very talented player and Martin knows him very well already after their days together at Leicester.

‘‘But he was Martin’s captain and obviously had a very good influence on the rest of the side.

‘‘If Martin feels that is an area he wishes to strengthen, he is always on the look-out for players better than those he has already got.

‘‘But you have to say that, defensively, Celtic were outstanding last season.

‘‘However, Matt does have a lot of experience and, at 33, he has still got another two or three years left in him at the top level.’’

Celtic have some defence doubts ahead of the new Premier League season with Bobo Balde, Joos Valgaeren and Stephen Crainey all facing a fight to get fit.

But the ex-Chelsea defender has warned Celtic they will face stiff competition to land Elliott.

Elliott said: ‘‘Knowing Martin he will be looking to build on the success of the last two seasons.

‘‘But I really don’t think Celtic will be the only club interested in the news about Matt - I don’t doubt that at all.

‘‘A top-class central defender with experience is something most clubs will always need.

‘‘The fact he will also be on a free transfer looks like being a good deal for any club.’’

Meanwhile, a Celtic approach for Coventry goalkeeper Magnus Hedman has fallen short of their £2m (€3.1m) valuation on the player.

O’Neill is looking for extra cover in goal with Rob Douglas and Jonathan Gould as his only two experienced goalkeepers.