Celtic ready to snap up Honduras ace

CELTIC were today hoping to announce their second signing in 48 hours as they bid to wrap up the transfer of Honduras left-back Emilio Izaguirre.

The 24-year-old was at Celtic Park to discuss a move from Motagua in his homeland.

Izaguirre, who won his 44th cap at the World Cup, is set to follow in the footsteps of Sweden centre-back Daniel Majstorovic, who completed a free transfer from AEK Athens.

The 33-year-old looks to be every bit the imposing figure Neil Lennon was looking for to bolster his defence and he could make his debut in Thursday’s Europa League play-off first leg against Utrecht at Celtic Park.

Majstorovic said: “Hopefully, I will be part of the team. I’m really looking forward to being part of the team as quickly as possible.

“Wherever I have been, I was playing and I was an important player for the team.

“I tried to be a leader in the team and I will do the same here. It is a big club with winners in all the positions but I’m still very, very hungry even though I’m 33.”

Celtic will be without Gary Hooper against Utrecht and the former Scunthorpe striker could be out until October after being diagnosed with a torn calf.

The 22-year-old sat out the opening Premier League victory over Inverness on Saturday after suffering the injury during a pre-season friendly against Blackburn.

Paddy McCourt is doubtful for the European game after suffering a whiplash injury. Celtic will also be without Thomas Rogne, Mark Wilson and Niall McGinn.