Celtic keen to hold on to Boruc

Celtic, who beat Brisbane Roar 3-0 in a preseason friendly, have warned potential suitors that their Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc is not for sale.

Celtic's chief executive Peter Lawwell has warned potential suitors that Artur Boruc is not for sale. The goalkeeper hit the headlines for his actions both on and off the pitch last season and the arrival of his fellow Pole Lukasz Zaluska cast further doubt over his Parkhead future. However, the new manager Tony Mowbray has been impressed by Boruc in preseason so far and wants him between the sticks when the new campaign gets under way. "Artur Boruc is not for sale," said Lawwell. "He's the best goalkeeper in Europe and, despite speculation to the contrary, we are holding on to him. "There have been no offers for him and we don't want any. Tony has had a close look at him and has been really impressed. He is perfectly happy to have him as our number one for the new season." However, Mowbray has paved the way for Mark Brown to find a new club. He told the Scottish Sunday Express: "We have a lot of keepers now and if the right chance comes along for Mark Brown then I would not stand in his way but Artur is staying." Meanwhile Mowbray celebrated his first game in charge with a solid win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The New Zealand international Chris Killen scored two goals in the space of three minutes late in the first half before the substitute Koki Mizuno struck in the 50th minute with a brilliant diving header. The match, played in front of a boisterous crowd of 31,340 that featured plenty of Hoops supporters, was the first of four preseason friendlies for Celtic in preparation for the opening Uefa Champions League qualifier. The only sour note for the visitors was a possible knee injury to Milan Misun who looked to be in some pain after clashing with the Roar midfielder Matt McKay.

* PA Sport