JOHN COLLINS jetted into the United States with Scotland's European Championship squad last night, having finalised his flight from Glasgow Celtic to Monaco as the first major British player to take advantage of the Bosman ruling.
The 28 year old midfielder, who is expected to win his 32nd cap in Sunday's friendly against the Americans at New Britain, will formally sign for Monaco after the finals on July 1st. Collins has greed a three year contract, worth £20,000 a week - tax free. Celtic, who reportedly turned down offers of £3 million for the player from Everton, Chelsea and Middlesbrough last season, will receive nothing.
Collins, who joined Celtic from Hibernian six years ago after a move to Bordeaux collapsed because of the French club's financial difficulties, said: "The timing couldn't have been better for me because now I can concentrate 100 per cent on Scotland. I spoke to Monaco's manager, Jean Tigana, and he seemed desperate to get me - he'd spoken to Glenn Hoddle about me - and also very ambitious to win the championship.
"I'm happy that I've got a new challenge to look forward to, though sad to leave Celtic. It was my boyhood dream to play for them and I'll always treasure the big European nights. But 10 years in the Premier League has worn me down, playing each team four times a season.
Celtic manager Tommy Burns said yesterday that he had no official word from Collins on his move.
. Celtic striker Jorge Cadete has been named in Portugal's 22 man squad named by manager Antonio Oliveira for the European Championship finals. The party leaves for Dublin next Monday to prepare for a final warm up game against Ireland two days later.
