Stubbs set for Everton switch

Celtic defender Alan Stubbs is set to leave Parkhead for Everton on a free transfer. The defender, who has agreed a four-year deal, is expected to be unveiled as the Goodison Park club's first summer signing tomorrow. Striker Henrik Larsson believes that Everton have picked up a bargain, saying: "He is very strong with both his left and right foot, and an incredibly accurate passer of the ball. You always knew when Stubbsie was playing that you could take up a good position, even if it was a long way off, and he could find you."

"With everything he's been through over the last year with the cancer, he's shown what a strong character he is, and what a great personality he has. None of us will ever forget the goal he scored in his comeback game against Hibs. That was one of the highlights of last season for me. I think Everton are getting a great player, who will always fight for their cause. I know we are all going to miss him at Celtic," said Larsson.

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon has reassured worried fans about Martin O'Neill's transfer market acumen. Rangers have brought in Claudio Caniggia, Christian Nerlinger and Russell Latapy, but Celtic have so far not brought in any new blood to the championship-winning team. "I have known him since my Leicester days when the start of the season would be on the Saturday and he's waited until the last minute. I remember Frank Sinclair coming to Leicester. The first time we met Frank was on the Friday before we played Manchester United and he was thrown straight in. He knows the players he wants and takes great care to watch them meticulously. I'm sure he will bring someone in and he hasn't got it wrong so far," said Lennon.

Injured duo Stilian Petrov and Johan Mjallby are set to boost Martin O'Neill's plans by making quick returns to full fitness. Petrov has confounded expectations in his recovery from a broken leg. He suffered the injury at St Johnstone in January, and had been expected to be out until Christmas, but his return date has been brought forward by two months. Mjallby underwent a hernia operation in Munich and is expected to join the rest of the squad for pre-season training next week. Morten Wieghorst, who missed last season because of a life-threatening brain virus, has already returned to training.

Martin O'Neill will begin his pre-season preparations in Ireland this week with games against Cork City on Friday and Shelbourne on Sunday.

Filed by Greg McKevitt