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Fri, Dec

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Celtic have won a pounds 700,000 tug-of-war to land calypso king Tony Rougier.

The 25-year-old Trinidadian flyer will turn down Hibs, Hearts and Dundee United to join the Parkhead title- chasers.

Celts boss Tommy Burns admitted he IS on the verge of a signing to stiffen his squad - but refused to name his target.

However, I can reveal it is Rougier, right - a hero at Raith Rovers since signing 18 months ago.

Burns said: "We are trying to get some-thing fixed up because

we have to strengthen the pool. We need one or two squad players as well as major signings.

"We have problems in midfield because of the loss of John Collins, Paul McStay and Phil O'Donnell."

Rougier admitted it would be a dream move and grinned: "I don't know anything definite but I've heard the rumours.

"I'd welcome a move to Celtic because there are not many better clubs in the world. It would be like a fantasy to go there.

"My best games seem to be against them so this will make sure I don't cause them any more problems!

"I'm under contract with Raith until the end of the season but hopefully everything can be worked out all right."

But Rovers chief Iain Munro insisted: "We're doing everything we can to secure the player on a new contract.

"But in the climate of the Bosman situation we're aware that every player has his price."

Meanwhile, Celtic were last night trying to secure the Parkhead future of Pierre Van Hooijdonk.

The Dutchman's agent Rob Jansen flew in for talks with Celtic chairman Fergus McCann.

But Van Hooijdonk could miss tomorrow's clash with the Dons because of a calf strain picked up against Hibs .

Burns collected his first Bell's Manager of the Month award yesterday - and insisted he wasn't bitter about previous snubs.

He laughed: "I'm delighted to get it this time. But it's players who do the work and managers who get the credit.

"It's nice getting the award, but it's the prizes at the end of the season I'm interested in."