Hartson's agent denies Hertha Berlin discussions

John Hartson's agent, Jonathan Barnett, denied last night that he had held talks with Hertha Berlin over the possibility of signing the Celtic striker in the January transfer window.

John Hartson's agent, Jonathan Barnett, denied last night that he had held talks with Hertha Berlin over the possibility of signing the Celtic striker in the January transfer window.

The Bundesliga side's general director, Dieter Höness claimed that he had already held discussions, which prompted accusations from Celtic's first team coach, Steve Walford, that the Welshman had been "tapped-up." But Barnett said: "I can confirm that I have not held discussions with any clubs in Germany, nor elsewhere, regarding the future of John Hartson, other than with his current employers, Celtic FC."

Celtic travel to eighth-placed Dunfermline tomorrow as they seek to maintain their lead in the table over second-placed Rangers. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has no fresh injury worries but he is without Didier Agathe for four to six weeks, while Stephen Pearson will be out for longer as they explore the possibility he could require a hernia operation.

Simon Donnelly is back for Dunfermline following injury, Billy Mehmet has recovered from a cold and Aaron Labonte has returned from suspension.

Rangers entertain Dundee today, and welcome back left-back Gregory Vignal and striker Shota Arveladze after they recovered from a groin injury and a thigh strain respectively, but centre-back Jean-Alain Boumsong remains a doubt because of a dead leg and may not be risked.

The side's former captain Craig Moore is back in training following a hernia operation but is unlikely to be pitched straight back in.