Hartson shocked by Baggies bid

Celtic striker John Hartson has spoken of his shock after learning that the SPL champions have accepted a bid from West Bromwich Albion for his services.

The Welsh hit-man has been the subject of sustained interest since the end of the season but looked set to continue with The Bhoys after productive talks with Gordon Strachan.

However the Glasgow giants have now accepted a bid of £500,000 for the former West Ham and Wimbledon man, meaning his five-year stay in Scotland looks to be at an end.

Hartson had been expecting to remain with Celtic for the upcoming season, and has revealed he even thought about extending his contract further before being knocked sideways by the shock news that a bid has been accepted from the relegated side.

"I'm shocked and disappointed," Hartson told the Daily Record.

"I had no intention or desire to leave the club this summer and I would like the fans to know that.

"I've had things to resolve in my private life but I felt I had sorted everything out.

"I've retired from international football to give me more time to see my kids and I was totally focused on going back to Celtic and trying to help the club reclaim the title and make a real push in the Champions League.

"I love the club so much, in fact, that I'd spoken to friends recently about staying on for another year and ending my career in Glasgow.

"But now this, it has knocked me for six.

"All I can do is discuss with my agent what happens next and I'll do that in the coming days.

"But right now I need some time to digest what has just happened, it has come as a bombshell."