Hoops head for tour without O'Neill

Martin O’Neill revealed today he will not be flying out to the United States with his Celtic team – but would almost certainly be joining up with them later on the tour.

The Parkhead players and coaching staff will fly out tomorrow for four matches in North America – but without the Northern Irishman.

O’Neill will not be in the dugout for their matches against Chelsea and Liverpool because of the ill-health of his wife Geraldine.

The couple and their two daughters Aisling and Alana at Buckingham Palace last week to collect his OBE and he revealed today that he would hoping to join up with the squad for the high-profile matches in Philadelphia and Toronto.

O’Neill told the club’s official website, wwwcelticfc.net: “Due to family reasons I won’t be on the first part of the American tour but there is a good possibility that I will be able to join the team for the second part in the East Coast, certainly for the last two matches against Manchester United and Roma.”

The former Leicester boss felt compelled last week to end speculation over his future by confirming that he will be in charge at Parkhead for the forthcoming season.

O’Neill was also absent for the team’s break in Florida a year and a half ago to have contract talks and John Robertson and Steve Walford will take charge of the team again.

Robert Douglas wishes he had been rougher with Barcelona star Thiago Motta after seeing his season end with a whimper.

The Celtic goalkeeper was punished for getting involved in a UEFA Cup tunnel bust-up with Motta and Bobo Balde – and the suspension opened the door for David Marshall.

That was the end for Douglas as the teenager never looked back, keeping the number one spot until May.

Douglas said: “In hindsight I wish I had lamped him in the tunnel, then at least I’d have been sent off for doing something. I protested my innocence and still got suspended. It was really disappointing.

“I was frustrated because last season was probably the most I have enjoyed playing for Celtic and I probably made fewer mistakes than ever. So to lose my place with an unfair suspension, having worked so hard to get it back earlier in the season, was disappointing.

“No one can take away what Marshy achieved when he stepped in at the Nou Camp but I was devastated to miss out there. When you’re a kid that’s one of the places you dream of playing at.

“I never slept the night of my red card but when I picked up the papers a few days later and saw the Barcelona players’ saying I should be cleared I thought I had a wee chance. But unfortunately it’s rare for UEFA to go against the referee’s judgement.”

Douglas has also been plagued by a hip injury but he believes the problems are now behind him as he sets his sights on regaining the gloves at Parkhead next season.

“I’m feeling great,” he added. “It’s the first time I’ve been pain free for nearly a year so I’m delighted. The problem started when I was at Dundee four years ago. The muscle came away from its attachment and the bone started to re-grow over it.

“It got to the stage where I couldn’t go on like this. I tried the pain-killing injections but it was affecting my life off the park as well.

“I couldn’t sleep on my right side any more and after the Kilmarnock game I hardly slept a wink for two nights. In training I was only doing minimal work because I could feel the pain digging in, like it was pinching my side. I’m not back fully diving just yet but I’m back in the motions.

“Hopefully next week I’ll be 100% recovered. It’s been a long and sore process but it will be great to dive without feeling any pain.”