Football: Berkovic commits to Celtic

EYAL BERKOVIC has become the latest player to insist he is happy at Celtic and has no plans to quit the Parkhead outfit. The Israeli midfielder, a Scottish record pounds 5.75m summer signing from West Ham, claims he is relishing life at Celtic despite a series of injuries disrupting his form.

Berkovic admits he became unsettled in London, but claims he and his family have settled well in Glasgow and he aims to win trophies with John Barnes' side. Following the lead of Johan Mjallby and Mark Viduka, who have already pledged their future to Celtic in the wake of Craig Burley's pounds 3m departure to Derby, Berkovic wants to stay. He said: "I'm an honest guy. I wasn't happy at West Ham last season and told the club that. "The day I'm not happy at Celtic the first person I will go and see is John Barnes and I'll tell him I want to leave.

"I've never asked anyone to find me a new club. Celtic are the best club I've played for. I'm happier than I was at Southampton and West Ham - I want to play a lot of years here. My target is to win the Championship and I still believe we can win the title this season. If we don't, we'll definitely win it next season."

Aberdeen yesterday had their wish granted to hold their CIS Insurance Cup semi-final with Dundee United at Dens Park instead of Hampden. The Dons were fearful few fans of either club would travel to the national stadium for the match and had suggested Dundee's home as an alternative venue.

The Scottish League yesterday agreed, announcing the Aberdeen v Dundee United game will be played at Dens Park on Sunday 13 February with a 3pm kick-off. The other semi-final between Celtic and either Kilmarnock or Hearts will go ahead at Hampden Park the following Wednesday with a 7.35pm start, with both ties to be shown live on Scottish television.