Celtic hope for Varga

Celtic FC have agreed a short-term deal with Slovakian international defender Stanislav Varga.

Short contract
Varga, relased by Sunderland AFC last month, has signed a contract to take him through to the end of this season subject to completing a medical and obtaining the necessary work permit.

Defensive cover
Manager Martin O'Neill felt the need to move for defensive cover after Sweden's Johan Mjällby was ruled out for a month with a torn thigh muscle. Varga, 30, is not eligible to face VfB Stuttgart in the fourth round of the UEFA Cup later this month.

Scottish challenge
He will, however, be able to play in the Scottish Premier League where champions Celtic lie three points behind Rangers FC at the top of the table and face their famous local rivals in the Scottish League Cup final on 16 March.

'He knows what he has to do'
"Obviously we're concerned about injuries, and Varga is an experienced international player who's played at the top level in the Premiership," said O'Neill. "The rest is up to him. He knows what he has to do, and also the calibre of player he's competing against. But he's hopeful of making an impact. We're certainly taking him on until the end of this season and, beyond that, we'll just have to wait and see."

Rapaic trial
Celtic are also contemplating a move for Milan Rapaic. The Croatian international has been on trial at Parkhead after being released from his contract with Turkish side Fenerbahçe SK.