Hedman eyes first team place

Magnus Hedman has fired a warning to Celtic goalkeeper Robert Douglas that he has no intention of sitting on the bench when he completes his move to Parkhead.

The Coventry keeper is set to finalise the switch to Glasgow this week after the English First Division club accepted the Hoops’ offer.

And the Swede also claims he will settle for nothing less than Celtic reaching the second phase of the Champions League.

He told the Daily Record: ‘‘I know that just because I played in the World Cup doesn’t mean I’m entitled to walk straight into the team.

‘‘However, I haven’t come here just to sit on the bench.

‘‘I’ve been told the best keeper will keep the jersey so the competition will keep everyone on their toes.

‘‘The Champions League is the place to be and hopefully Celtic can make an impression this season.

‘‘I won’t be happy just to qualify for the group stages and take part - that’s not my nature.

‘‘I want to go places with this club and getting past the first stage is one of my main aims.’’

Coventry boss Gary McAllister admits he is already resigned to losing the goalkeeper.

And he agrees that Hedman will fight tooth and nail for the number one jersey at Celtic.

He told the Scottish Sun: ‘‘Being a stand-in or a deputy is not in his thinking at all.

‘‘Robert Douglas and Jonathan Gould are facing some competition now.

‘‘I know Magnus and I know there is no way he will be feeling that he is going to Celtic to sit on the bench.

‘‘Magnus has a big presence as a goalkeeper and I would far rather have kept him but it is beyond my powers.’’