Wieghorst returns to hero's welcome

Saturday, 7 July 2001 12:42

Celtic midfielder Morten Wieghorst has received a rapturous reception in his first game back after recovering from a serious brain illness, coming on as a substitute in the 3-2 friendly win against Cork City. "It was perfect. It was a great moment just to have the feeling of grass under my feet again. I've been looking forward to that for a long time. I've been out for a long time and I've had to work hard to get back, so this is a massive step. I was feeling great as I was warming up and hearing the crowd cheer and I was anticipating the moment I would come on. Once you are on and get your first touch, everything seems to fall into place. I knew before the game that I would be on for 10 to 15 minutes and I knew it would be special. It was," said the Danish international.

Hoops manager Martin O'Neill was delighted to see Wieghorst play again after fears for his life during his battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome. "It's great having the big guy back. It's fantastic considering he was on a drip some months ago. He really enjoyed himself and that bit of time will do him the world of good. He was delighted to be back and we are all delighted too," said O'Neill.

Meanwhile, O'Neill remained confident that the deal to sign Bobo Balde from Toulouse would be completed shortly. "If I had bought a tenth of the players I had been linked with, I'd have a squad of Titanic proportions but Balde is different. There are a number of clubs looking at him, but I've always felt that Celtic had as good a chance as anyone. Complications have arisen with Toulouse's financial difficulties so there is a lot of confusion there but something may materialise next week," said O'Neill.

Filed by Greg McKevitt