Football: Jackson's recovery aided by Parkhead goal

Wednesday 05 November 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Celtic's Darren Jackson was back on target yesterday, just two months after undergoing brain surgery.

Jackson, making his first appearance at Parkhead since his operation, equalised for the reserves in their 2-2 draw against Dunfermline. He put Celtic level after 72 minutes when he steered home Tommy Johnson's knock- down from six yards.

Jackson had earlier shown no reservations about heading the ball when he powered an effort against the crossbar. He played for the full 90 minutes and coach Wim Jansen, watching from the stand, must have been impressed with his player's third comeback match, although Celtic's first Old Firm derby of the season with Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday may be too soon for him.

However, Jackson was delighted to get back on target 24 hours after he was named in the Scotland squad to face France in St Etienne next Wednesday.

Jackson said: "I am feeling a lot sharper now and my fitness is coming back. I feel fine and my progress is OK. It meant a lot to get a goal today as we had been trailing 2-0. It was a striker's goal. I am not usually renowned for getting them in the six-yard area.

"The result was important as we had a lot of young boys in the team."

Two goals from David Bingham - one from the penalty spot - put Dunfermline ahead against a Celtic side fielding seven first-team players.

In Italy, the former Queen's Park Rangers striker Danny Dichio is hugely popular after guiding Lecce to their second victory of the season, a 2-0 home win over Brescia, on his debut last weekend.

Dichio, greeted with the headline "Former Male Model Scores Goal" by the Italian press, is delighted with his move to southern Italy, and with coach Claudio Prandelli.

"I couldn't have made a better start," said Dichio, who had a short and unhappy spell with Sampdoria earlier this season. "I'm particularly pleased for Prandelli, because right from the start he's worked hard to help me fit in. Before moving to Lecce, I had the chance to go back to England, but wanted to take my chance in the toughest league in the world."

Dichio had predicted he would score on Saturday morning. "Now I'm hoping to score a few more," he said. "This team deserves to stay in Serie A."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in