Post by Taxigirl on Apr 24, 2004 9:36:26 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/3652879.stm
Celtic striker John Hartson is targeting a return to action in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline.
Hartson has not played since the end of January and underwent surgery for a second time on a back complaint at the beginning of March.
The Welshman had originally been told he could expect to be fit to join pre-season training.
"I feel great. I'm pain free for the first time in eight or nine months," said the striker.
"I've been back training in the gym for three-and-a-half weeks, I start running outside on Monday and in a couple of weeks I can join in the ball-work with the rest of the boys," he said.
"I'm well aware there's a month until the cup final and I hope I can be there or thereabouts for that - I'd be lying if I said I didn't have one eye on it.
"It would be a bonus to get back for that, but it's not the be-all and end-all."
Hartson has a year left on his contract, but has yet to follow team-mates Chris Sutton and Alan Thompson's lead by signing a new deal.
But the Welsh international is convinced he and Sutton could form a formidable partnership next season in the absence of Henrik Larsson.
"I think we would do well together," he added.
"I like playing with another big man and Chris is so unselfish as well as being a goalscorer.
"Ask Alan Shearer or Henrik what a great foil Chris is."
Celtic striker John Hartson is targeting a return to action in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline.
Hartson has not played since the end of January and underwent surgery for a second time on a back complaint at the beginning of March.
The Welshman had originally been told he could expect to be fit to join pre-season training.
"I feel great. I'm pain free for the first time in eight or nine months," said the striker.
"I've been back training in the gym for three-and-a-half weeks, I start running outside on Monday and in a couple of weeks I can join in the ball-work with the rest of the boys," he said.
"I'm well aware there's a month until the cup final and I hope I can be there or thereabouts for that - I'd be lying if I said I didn't have one eye on it.
"It would be a bonus to get back for that, but it's not the be-all and end-all."
Hartson has a year left on his contract, but has yet to follow team-mates Chris Sutton and Alan Thompson's lead by signing a new deal.
But the Welsh international is convinced he and Sutton could form a formidable partnership next season in the absence of Henrik Larsson.
"I think we would do well together," he added.
"I like playing with another big man and Chris is so unselfish as well as being a goalscorer.
"Ask Alan Shearer or Henrik what a great foil Chris is."