Sport

Valgaeren comes clean

Celtic - 2 Kilmarnock - 1:   Celtic defender Joos Valgaeren insists that keeping clean sheets is more important than a new contract…

Mon Nov 08 2004 - 00:00

Celtic - 2 Kilmarnock - 1:   Celtic defender Joos Valgaeren insists that keeping clean sheets is more important than a new contract. The Belgium international is delighted to be playing regularly after a nightmare spell with various injuries - and was at the heart of Celtic's defence in the win against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The 28-year-old has less than two years remaining on his current contract but claims that keeping the opposition from scoring is his priority at the moment. "We're not playing well at the moment, but we are winning which is important," said Valgaeren.

"I am happy to stay in Scotland and I love being here but I want to keep playing and prove that I am worth a new deal. The manager has not spoken to me yet which is understandable because of the injuries I've had. Playing and playing well is most important in my head at the moment."

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies suggested that referee Steve Conroy was out of his depth. He sparked controversy when he awarded the home side a dubious free-kick on the edge of the area which Aidan McGeady dispatched brilliantly on the stroke of-half-time. But Conroy made an even more controversial decision in the second half when he gave Celtic a penalty which Alan Thompson converted.

READ MORE

"If you check out the referee then the only time he has come here before was for a pre-season game," said Jefferies.

"This was his first competitive game here at Parkhead so you can draw your own conclusions. I will get into trouble if I say anything else."

Meanwhile, Rangers manager Alex McLeish believes the 4-1 demolition of Livingston was the perfect warm-up for Wednesday night's Scottish League Cup showdown with Celtic.

McLeish watched his side collect all three points with goals from Peter Lovenkrands, Nacho Novo, Steven Thompson and Hamed Namouchi.

CELTIC: Marshall, Agathe, Varga, Valgaeren, McNamara, McGeady (Wallace 90), Lennon, Petrov, Thompson, Hartson, Camara (Beattie 79). Subs not used: Douglas, Sylla, Juninho Paulista, Pearson. Goals: McGeady 44, Thompson 64 pen.

KILMARNOCK: Smith, Lilley, Greer, Dindeleux, Ford, Johnston (Naismith 87), Nish, McDonald, Leven, Dargo (Locke 73), Invincibile (Fowler 45). Subs not used: Samson, Hay, Joly, Murray. Goal: Nish 89.

Referee: S Conroy (Scotland).