Football Round-up

CELTIC forward Henrik Larsson has been granted his dearest wish and been included in the Sweden squad for Euro 2000.

Larsson played just 25 minutes of Celtic's final game of the season against Dundee United on Sunday in a desperate bid to prove his fitness to Swedish coaches Tommy Soderberg and Lars Lagerback. It was the first top team action Larsson had seen since breaking his leg in the UEFA Cup tie against Lyon.

The 28-year-old had begged Parkhead interim manager Kenny Dalglish to give him a run-out to help prove his fitness. It has proved worthwhile and Soderberg said: ''Henrik has shown a lot in practice. He lacks match fitness but he is on his way, and that will be no problem in the championships.''

nDundee yesterday completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Javier Artero for #300,000.

Artero arrived at Dens Park four months ago on a short-term deal after an unhappy spell with Argentinian side San Lorenzo.

nAn overweight but joyful Diego Maradona made an emotional return to football in the farewell game for Lothar Matthaeus last night, playing the first half as the match between a Bayern Munich XI and Germany ended 1-1

nFormer Raith Rovers, Airdrieonians, and Hamilton striker Peter Duffield was in the losing side last night as Darlington were beaten 1-0 by Peterborough United in the Wembley play-off final for a place in England's second division, Andy Clarke scoring the winner.

nFirst division newcomers Clyde yesterday signed midfielder Barry Sellars from Arbroath, while second division Partick Thistle captured central defender Jamie Smith from Stranraer.

nKILMARNOCK full back Martin Baker has signed a new, improved two-year contract at the club, who have also signed Queen's Park midfielder Neil MacFarlane.