THE arrival of Marko Viduka at Parkhead signals the end, for the moment at least, of manager Dr Jo Venglos' building plans and he and managing director Fergus McCann also made it clear that Viduka in does not mean Harald Brattbakk is out.

The Norwegian striker's old club, Rosenborg, have been making a lot of noise about the possibility of Harald returning but McCann's response to that was unambiguous. ''It was never our intention to make this a one-for-one situation,'' he said, ''and, hopefully, Harald will recover some of the form we know he is capable of.''

Venglos pointed out that the two were entirely different types of player. ''I believe in Harald's qualities and I think I have given him a fair chance to play.

''He responded okay but Viduka is a different kind of player. I wanted him because he gives us a new dimension. He is strong, good in the air, and, for a young man, is experienced at international level.''

Venglos indicated that the signing of the Australian would now be accompanied by some stability and allow the squad time to get itself together.

The club has signed four players in the last month, Vidar Riseth for #1.4m, Lubo Moravcik for #300,000, Johan Mjallby for #1.5m, and Viduka for #3m, a total of #6.2m, and it seems that will be it for a while.

''The manager has a couple of things he still wants done to get a balance,'' said McCann, ''but there is no rush.''

The managing director insisted that all decisions regarding new or, indeed, current contracts, were based on recommendations by Venglos.

The three prominent players who are in the midst of negotiations - Simon Donnelly, Phil O'Donnell, and Mark Burchill - will be dealt with on the advice of the coach.

''Of course, we are very keen to keep a player with such potential as Burchill but we have to bear in mind a scale that rises to

accommodate international players. However, I think we are making some pretty substantial offers to these players.''

Both McCann and Venglos admitted that they had thought of going elsewhere when the Viduka negotiations went into soap opera mode but each also conceded that finding the same type of player with the requirements stipulated would not have been easy.

On the take-over front, McCann admitted that there had been talks, presumably with the Kenny Dalglish-Jim Kerr consortium, and added: ''I hope that will be resolved sooner than later but, whatever happens, I will not be leaving any earlier than planned.

''My own intention has not changed. I would still wish to offer my shares to shareholders and season ticket-holders.''

McCann said he suspected one or two players would be leaving the club in due course but was encouraged that the injured brigade was gradually being reduced.

The man of the moment, Viduka, whose luggage has been recovered after being lost in transit from London on Tuesday, has already discovered the bizarre scenario that is the lot of Celtic players. Even before he kicks a ball, he has heard from his parents back in Australia that they have been invited, as guests of honour, to the Melbourne Celtic Supporters' Association annual gathering.

''I knew this was a big club and that confirmed it right,'' he said.

Whether he will be ready to be involved in Sunday's game against Hearts is another matter.

''That is up to the coach but I haven't even met the lads yet and it takes time to get to know them and your new surroundings.''

Viduka, who last played two weeks ago in a league match in Croatia, explained why, as an 18-year-old, he had turned down the chance to join Borussia Dortmund before they went on to become European champions.

''I was 18 and had come over to Europe with the Aussie national team. I had discussions with Dortmund but my dad was not well at the time and I decided I would prefer to stay in Australia for another year. Sometimes there are more important things than signing for a new team.''

The new man, who has signed a four-year contract, has also the distinction of breaking a top tennis player's arm with a rather well-struck shot. He and Mark Philippoussis were buddies at the Australian School of Sport and the tennis man, of Greek descent, challenged the footballer to a game of shots apiece on goal. The result was a great save by Philipoussis but a broken arm for his troubles.

Viduka declares his ambitions as to help Celtic win the league and get into the Champions' League and, in the process, further his own career. Breaking goalies' arms is not part of his gameplan.

Meanwhile, Mark Bosnich reckons that Viduka will be a massive hit at Celtic - because he is just as deadly as Manchester United's #12m striker Dwight Yorke.

The Aston Villa keeper was thrilled yesterday when he heard that his Australian international team-mate had completed his move to Parkhead.

Bosnich knows a top-class striker when he sees one, having watched Yorke run rings around England's top defenders for years at Villa Park.

However, he insists Viduka has as much talent as Yorke and believes he can become as big a revelation in Scotland, as Yorke has been at Old Trafford.

Bosnich said: ''Mark is a fabulously talented player and is as good as any of the strikers I have seen. The Villa fans loved Dwight Yorke when he was at the top of his game and I feel the Celtic fans will take to Mark in a similar way.

''In fact, I think he is like Yorke in the way he can suddenly change a game. He's a big guy, but he's got terrific skill.

''I have known him since he was 15, when he was coming through at the Australian Institute of Sport but I knew, even at that stage, that he was going to be a top-class football player one day.

''A number of top clubs in England were all interested in signing him, but I think he feels that moving to Celtic is better for him. They are a massive club and he never had any doubts about joining them.''

Bosnich, who is being lined up to replace Peter Schmeichel as Manchester United's No.1, also said that Viduka will thrive on his big money price-tag.

He added: ''Mark is a lad, who is exceptionally easy going. The fact that Celtic have spent so much money on him won't be a problem. He'll just take it in his stride, because he's very confident in himself.

''He's not that bothered about what people will say about him. He'll just get on with it and do his best for Celtic.

''He has blinding pace and I think that will be used to better effect than it has during his time at Croatia Zagreb.

''He was always complaining that in Croatia, players wanted to beat four or five players before shooting. But in British football, it is more direct with more one-twos played to feet. That will suit his style of football.''

Bosnich feels the Celtic fans are in for a treat with Viduka and insists he can bring back the excitement that has been missing in the East End of Glasgow since van Hooijdonk, Di Canio and Cadete departed. He added: ''Celtic fans will probably be moaning at the club again, saying 'we've only signed someone called Marko Viduka.' But I can assure them, they've got a terrific player and one who is a real winner.

''It will take Mark a while to adapt, but his finishing is quality. He has joined a massive club and I have no doubts that their fans will love him.''