Du Wei begins Celtic trial
(FootballAsia.com)
Updated: 2005-08-03 08:59

GLASGOW – China international Du Wei began his trial with Scottish giants Celtic on Monday with coach Gordon Strachan seeing the Shanghai Shenhua player as a possible solution to the club’s recent defensive woes.

Celtic have conceded nine goals in their first two competitive matches of the season putting the recently-appointed Strachan under immediate pressure from fans of the Glasgow side.

The Celtic boss admits that he was pleased after watching the 23-year-old on the first day of his week-long trail with the club but needs more time to assess the player who was tipped for stardom by Diego Maradona after his impressive performance at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina.

“He did well; there was a smile on his face, his English was good and I think he enjoyed himself,” said Strachan to the official Celtic website.

“But I’ve no idea [whether he’ll be staying any longer]. I don’t think you’d like me to judge you, as a journalist, on just one of your articles,” he added.

Reports indicate that Du could be available for a transfer fee of 800,000 pounds (US$1.4 million) from Shanghai Shenhua. Speaking to Scottish daily The Herald, the Chinese player expressed his admiration for the club and his desire to secure a contract with the 1967 European champions.

“They are one of the most famous clubs in Europe; a team with fantastic history,” said Du.