Aiden McGeady looks set to leave Celtic in the January transfer window after another dispute with Parkhead boss Gordon Strachan resulted in a fine of two week's wages and a two game suspension which was handed down on Tuesday.

Scottish media reports on Monday claimed that McGeady clashed again with Strachan after the 1-1 draw with Hearts last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Sunderland and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the Irish winger following the latest row.

The Bhoys were left to count the cost of that 1-1 draw with Hearts at Parkhead when a late Stephen McManus equalizer maintained their four-point lead over Rangers at the top of the table.

Midfielder Shaun Maloney picked up a hamstring injury in the game and is out of the Old Firm showdown with Rangers on December 27.

"He just pulled up. It's a hamstring and not very good," Strachan said after a disappointing game.

"It was a poor first half by us, one of the worst performances for a long, long time. Hearts did well and were physically strong but we were too predictable.

"We built ourselves up to average in the second half and had a lot of possession around their box so it was far more exciting.

"But we had to grind something out so they did well the drag themselves back from such a poor first half performance and give the crowd hope in the second half."

Rangers could only draw at Dundee United on an uneventful weekend for the Old Firm duo as Celtic blew the chance to stretch their advantage to six points.

Strachan added, "Maybe Rangers are feeling the same way. That will happen until the end of the season, teams will have off days so we must be happy with the point considering the way we played in the first half."

Celtic's Scottish international defender John Kennedy has suffered another knee injury during his loan spell at Norwich City and could have played his last game for the Canaries as his loan deal expires on January 1.

As the countdown continues to the January transfer window Celtic have been linked with Lech Poznan midfielder Semir Stilic and 18-year-old Czech left-back Milan Misun.

A bronze statue in honor of Lisbon Lion and Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone has been unveiled at Parkhead.

Meanwhile, Cavan-born striker Cillian Sheridan has admitted he is finally coming to terms with life as a senior Celtic player.

The 19-year-old Irish under-21 international said, "There has been a bit of attention and it has been flattering.

"A lot of people are recognizing me and I'm slowly getting used to it. But I suppose that comes with playing at such a big club.

"To be a top player, you have to set targets and goals and mine, like any other player, is to hold down a first-team place.

"I know that will take a lot of hard work but it has given me confidence to know that the manager has kept faith in me when other strikers are coming back, so I need to reward him with good performances.

"The main thing I need to work on is my knowledge of the game. It's hard to pick up and I know that's going to take a bit of time.

"But hopefully I can take on board everything that I am told and gather it all up. Georgios Samaras and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink have helped me, they have all been brilliant.

"They've been in my shoes, a young player coming up in to the first team so they've been very helpful."

Rovers Ready

New Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has vowed to ride the wave of enthusiasm that will engulf the club when they move to their new home in Tallaght next season.

The former Northern Ireland international was unveiled as the new Hoops boss on Monday and is excited by the challenge.

O'Neill leaves Brechin City for Rovers and said, "Not many jobs would bring me back to Ireland after being away for so long. But when the Shamrock Rovers job came up it was too good an opportunity to be missed.

"Obviously it's an exciting time for the club with the move to Tallaght on the horizon. After 21 years leading a nomadic existence it's an important moment for the club.

"But most of all I'm looking forward to getting down to working with the players, and re-establishing Shamrock Rovers as the top club in the League Ireland."

Rovers' chairman, Jonathan Roche said, "Michael brings an awful lot to the table. He's very highly thought of in Scotland and we are delighted to have signed him.

"He also appreciates what we're doing beyond football at Shamrock Rovers. We have a strong community focus at all levels, from our schoolboys to the senior team.

"We feel Rovers is a role model for Irish football clubs, and in partnership with the South Dublin County Council we want to make Tallaght Stadium the place to be."

McGinn's Impact

Derry City manager Stephen Kenny is backing Niall McGinn to make a big impact at Celtic after his move from the Brandywell was completed on Tuesday.

Kenny said, "We've had scouts here from all sorts of clubs in the Premiership and genuine interest from Wigan, Derby, Ipswich and Swansea, but Niall has opted to make the biggest move of his career and join Celtic.

"It's a huge step for any player to make, but for a boy of 21 who has only just turned fulltime to take it says a lot about his ambition and desire to play at the highest level.

"I have no doubts Niall can make an impact at Celtic but he needs time. He has a big learning capacity and Celtic are buying real potential.

"The potential is there for him to be a top-class player who can excite the fans."

Irish Double?

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been linked with a double swoop for Liverpool striker Robbie Keane and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne.

Keane was dropped by manager Rafa Benitez and unused from the bench as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Hull at Anfield on Saturday.

His club captain Steven Gerrard has allegedly claimed that Keane could be sold in the January transfer window, according to "Today FM" pundit Mark Lawrenson.

"I had a drink with Steve at a function on Saturday night," Lawrenson explained. "He said they share the same agent and he thinks something's going to happen with Robbie Keane in January. It sounds like he might be moved on."

Soccer Shorts

Paul Hegarty is to remain as manager of Finn Harps next season but his budget has been cut drastically after the club's relegation to the First Division . . .

Aston Villa's Irish defender Stephen O'Halloran is out for the rest of the season after picking up another knee injury on loan with Swansea City . . .

Eircom League 'keeper of the year Brian Murphy has intimated he could stay with Bohemians despite interest from a number of English clubs . . .

Athlone Town are the latest eircom League club threatened with financial extinction as the credit crunch hits domestic football . . .

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis could make a move for Burnley's Republic of Ireland under-21 midfielder Chris McCann . . .

Bohemians have offered midfielder Gary Deegan a new contract in light of interest from Scottish side Kilmarnock . . .

Oxford United are interested to talking to Galway United chief Jeff Kenna about their managerial vacancy . . .

Troubled Drogheda United has been granted an extension of 30 days in examinership by the High Court . . .

Stephen Ireland's father Michael has claimed that his son could be back in an Irish shirt in the New Year . . .

Bohemians have appointed former Derry City chief executive Jim Roddy as their new CEO . . .

St. Patrick's Athletic striker Gary O'Neill has moved to First Division club Sporting Fingal . . .

Thomas Donnelly is the new manager of Kildare County in succession to John Ryan.