Agathe set to resume training

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill will welcome Didier Agathe back to training tomorrow ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Cup fourth-round tie with Teplice.

Agathe was rested as a precaution for the 4-1 victory Partick Thistle yesterday after picking up a slight knee strain.

But O’Neill expects him to available again for the visit of the little-known Czech side.

“He’s got a bit of knee problem but he should be okay for Thursday,” said O’Neill.

Versatile team-mate Chris Sutton is expected to stay in the side despite playing with a groin problem.

There was more good news for last season’s UEFA Cup finalists with John Hartson set to join up with Agathe and the rest of the first-team squad in training tomorrow.

The striker has been out since scoring twice against Kilmarnock on January 31 because of back problems.

Johan Mjallby will also step up his rehabilitation over the next two weeks, while Manchester United-bound midfielder Liam Miller is making good progress from a groin injury.

Stanislav Varga, meanwhile, has revealed that he had the chance to sign for Teplice in 2000.

Like Sutton the Slovakian defender scored twice in the 4-1 win at Firhill, but it could have been so different.

Varga said: “I have never played there but Teplice wanted to sign me when I signed for Sunderland in 2000.

“I knew the Teplice president but I had an offer from the Premiership and that’s what I chose to accept.”

Varga played alongside John Kennedy as Celtic moved 13 points clear of Rangers in the Bank of Scotland Premier League and the youngster is ready to sign a contract extension.

“It would be nice to be involved against Teplice,” he said.

“My own confidence is good. I feel I’ve been a bit more settled in the last few games that I’ve played in the first team.

“I want to stay in the team for as long as I can, get an extension to my contract and keep working away.”

The Glasgow side broke a 40-year Scottish league record with their 24th consecutive SPL triumph.

Bottom club Partick have responded to the defeat by agreeing a deal with Tom English until the end of the season.

After being released by the Livingston administrators, he is hopeful of forcing his way into the first team.

He said: “I am delighted to get fixed up so soon after being released by Livingston.

“I played on Wednesday and things went all right, and after having talked to the management I am happy to see out the season here and hopefully get the chance to feature in the first team.

“Everyone at the club has been really good towards, me especially John McLaughlan who I know well from Livingston.”

Co-Manager Gerry Britton is delighted with the capture.

He said: “Tommy showed up very well at Tannadice and I had seen him in other under- 21 games for Livingston.

“He is an attacking midfielder who has an eye for goal, as he showed last week, and I am hopeful that he can make an impression in our first team squad.”