Celtic Football Club News

• Nickname:The bhoys, The hoops
• Founded:1888
• Manager:Neil Lennon

• Ground:Celtic Park
• Capacity:60,832

Balde's a happy Bhoy

25 Oct 2006 - 10:57:36

Click To Enlarge

Celtic defender Bobo Balde has rubbished speculation linking him with a January move to Aston Villa.

The 31-year-old has been unable to force his way into Gordon Strachan's plans since recovering from a stomach muscle injury, but insists he would rather stay and fight for his place in Celtic's first team than head south to link up with ex-Bhoys boss Martin O'Neill.

Balde said: "I know nothing about Aston Villa and I'm not even thinking about that.

"I have three years left on my contract, which is okay as I've been away for six months after having an operation, but I'm now on my way back.

"I had a good time working for Martin but I have my contract here and I have too much respect for the club to speak about O'Neill as he's no longer in charge.

"Playing now is not my main focus because I have to get my fitness back and I'm worrying about nothing else.

"I'm delighted to see the team doing well and I'm certainly not waiting for them to fail before I get my place back.

"I want the team to keep winning for as long as possible because I want the club to get as high as they can in Europe and that's why I signed a long contract."