Debt-ridden Derry City received a stay of execution last night when Glasgow Celtic made an 11th hour approach to save the Northern club from liquidation.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is from Co Derry and contacted the Derry's board of directors to confirm that the Parkhead club would play in Derry before the end of September.

Derry City, who have debts in the region of £120,000 sterling appeared in the High Court in Belfast facing a winding-up order instigated by the British inland revenue.

However, that order has been suspended for a period of four weeks to allow the Brandywell club formulate a survival plan.

Last night's offer from Celtic was received with great applause by the capacity attendance of shareholders and supporters who gathered for an emergency meeting.

In addition to Celtic's offer of a match, Derry City president Phil Coulter has also pledged funding of £30,000.