Hartson relief at passed medical

John Hartson twice failed a transfer medical

John Hartson's first emotion at signing for Celtic was one of relief.

The Welsh international striker's previously proposed moves to Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur fell through after failed medicals.

But this time all was well as he put pen to paper on a four-year deal and a £6m transfer.

And he refused to be drawn into a war of words with critical Coventry City manager Bryan Richardson.

Hartson said: "What gives me the most pleasure is coming through the medical.

Letting Sky Blues down

"There was a black mark hanging over me on the medical, but I've played over 40 games since then and proved that my knee is fine.

"I'm just delighted to be a Celtic player and I'm ready to play now."

Steve Guppy: no special favours

Richardson had accused Hartson of letting the Sky Blues down by agreeing to join the Glasgow giants.

"I said to the chairman that I was fully committed to staying at Coventry, but now Celtic have come in and it's a different ball game," suggested Hartson.

"I'm sure none of my old team-mates at Coventry will begrudge me getting this move up here.

"I'm not going to say anything about the chairman. He paid my wages, he's a great guy and I just wish them all the best.

Braced for a battle

"I'm really happy to be here now and I want to thank Martin O'Neill for giving me the chance to play for such a great club."

Hartson joined Celtic on Champions League transfer deadline day along with Momo Sylla from St Johnstone and Steve Guppy from Leicester City.

Guppy played under O'Neill before but is bracing himself for a battle to force his way into the Celtic first team.

"I've had four years under Martin at Leicester and five with him at Wycombe before that, so he knows what he's getting," said Guppy.

"Hopefully, I can do well for him, but it will be very hard to get in the team, especially after what they've achieved last season."