Keane must wait for Bhoys debut

Roy Keane will not make his Celtic debut at Hearts on New Year’s Day if, as expected, he completes his move to the Glasgow giants today.

The former Manchester United captain is on the verge of signing for the Hoops after reportedly arriving at Celtic Park this morning.

The 34-year-old would have been lined up to make his debut at Hearts on January 1.

But the Scottish Premier League insist Keane will not be registered in time and his debut will have to wait until the Tennent’s Scottish Cup third-round tie at Clyde on January 8.

An SPL spokesman said: “If players want to be registered for that weekend fixture, they must be registered by 5pm on the preceding Friday as the registration window is not open that day.

“So players are ineligible to play on December 31, January 1 and 2 unless they are a free agent outside of the transfer window.

“However, this wouldn’t apply to Roy Keane as he has been registered with Manchester United, but the club has been informed of that fully.”