Gershon confident of Celtic deal while charge against Wilson is upheld by SFA

Football Writer

Friday 4 January 2013

Rami Gershon, the Israel defender, has arrived in Scotland hoping to clinch a move to Celtic.

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Graeme Macpherson

The 24-year-old is currently with Belgian side Standard Liege, but has made just one appearance this season. It is understood that Gershon and his agent, Dudu Dahan, will discuss the possibility of a permanent or loan deal with the Scottish champions.

On his arrival in Glasgow, Gershon said: "I am very happy to be here. I am very excited to have the opportunity to play for Celtic. I just hope that everything will be done tomorrow and then I can speak more." Gershon admitted he had not yet discussed the possible move with Celtic midfielder and fellow Israeli, Biram Kayal. He said: "I haven't spoken to him. He is a good friend of mine but everything was very quick so I didn't find the time to speak to him, but in the past he has told me only good things about Celtic." Dahan interrupted to add: "There is nothing to talk about. If a club like Celtic calls then you should get on the plane and that's what we did." If Gershon signs, he could be added to the club's Cham-pions League squad for their last-16 tie with Juventus. Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, is permitted to replace up to three players in his 25-man squad for the tournament. Gershon's arrival comes as defender Kelvin Wilson discovered that he will serve a two-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Scottish Football Association's Fast Track Tribunal. Wilson was issued with a notice of complaint for "striking an opposing player, namely John Baird, with an elbow" during Celtic's 2-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Boxing Day. Wilson contested the charge but it was upheld, with the suspension applied with immediate effect. That means he will miss the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Hearts at Celtic Park after the winter break on January 19 and the Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final against St Mirren at Hampden the following week. "Clearly, we are very disappointed with the decision and unfortunately, there is no right of appeal available," said Lennon. "We find it disappointing that Kelvin has been found guilty of violent conduct, particularly when the other player has stated it was an accidental incident." Wilson, speaking after Sunday's 1-0 win over Motherwell, revealed he intended going to Hampden for the tribunal hearing and was confident Baird's testimony would help his case. "To be fair, the boy [Baird] said he was grabbing my shirt and I was just trying to get away, and unfortunately I caught him. If you go into a court of law and someone gives a statement like that then it is taken into consideration so I hope that is the case. But we will see. If it goes against me I will just have to get on with it."

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Gershon confident of Celtic deal while charge against Wilson is upheld by SFA

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