Celtic new recruit Marko Viduka finally set foot on Scottish soil last night after being given the go-ahead to launch his Parkhead career.

The £3 million Australian striker jetted into Glasgow before being whisked off to start a stringent medical that is expected to be completed this morning.

Providing that goes through without further hitches, Viduka will finally be able to start the four-year deal he has signed with the Scottish champions and should be available for Sunday's Premier League clash at Hearts.

The 22-year-old has had to endure an anxious 10-day wait since his transfer from Croatia Zagreb was initially agreed while the Department of Employment in Britain debated over his work permit application.

That followed a lengthy three-month pursuit of the player by first former general manager Jock Brown and, more recently, managing director Fergus McCann as his old employers fought to retain his services.

"Croatia Zagreb were desperate to keep me initially because of the Champions' League games and they weren't too keen to let me go before the end of the season," said Viduka on his arrival last night.

"They were making it pretty difficult for a while but I'm just happy it's all resolved now and that I'm finally here.

"I can't wait to get underway because Celtic are a huge club and this is a great move for me."

Viduka's arrival has inevitably prompted speculation over the long-term future of Norwegian Harald Brattbakk, who has been a peripheral figure in recent weeks. Rosenborg, who will have former coach Nils-Arne Eggen back in charge on January 1st, have already declared an interest in resigning Brattbakk should he be deemed surplus to requirements at Parkhead.

Brattbakk, however, has no thoughts of returning home just yet. "At the moment I am not a regular in the team so it is no surprise there are rumours I am to be sold. But as far I am concerned I am a Celtic player," he said.

Meanwhile, Craig Burley was earlier warned against rushing his return to action after being withdrawn from a hoped-for comeback in an under-21 match against Dunfermline yesterday. The Scotland midfielder was hoping to be involved as an over-age player in a bid to test the groin muscle injury that has sidelined him for over a month.