(First Edition)

CELTIC yesterday appointed three new non-executive directors, writes David McKinney. John Keane, Willy Haughey and Michael McDonald will all bring a specific brand of business acumen to the board, which is now seven strong.

With Celtic Park in the throes of reconstruction, the appointment of Keane is an important one as he has a wealth of knowledge in civil engineering, property and land development. On his appointment to the board he declared himself satisfied with the progress of the work.

Three sides of Celtic Park have been flattened in preparation for new stands being built, and Keane said: 'I am very happy that the demolition work has been completed on time. We have a contractor ready to carry on with piling work for foundations, and I hope the stand at the traditional 'jungle' end will be up for August next year.'

Haughey, who has experience in property, building and leisure industries, has been given the brief of liaising with the club's supporters. McDonald, the godson of the millionaire, Gerard Weisfeld, will look after retail operations and merchandising.

It has emerged that Weisfeld, who received around pounds 50m when he sold the What Everyone Wants chain of shops, is in discussion with Fergus McCann, the managing director of Celtic.