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| | Thursday, 1 August, 2002, 13:31 GMT 14:31 UK Celtic make double signing  Laursen (left) and Hedman show off their new colours Celtic have made a double signing in the shape of Swedish international goalkeeper Magnus Hedman and Danish wing-back Ulrik Laursen. The Scandinavian pair join the two-time defending SPL champions ahead of the new league season which begins on Saturday with the visit of Dunfermline. Hedman, who made the move to Scotland from Coventry City in a fee believed to be in the region of �1.5m, has signed a four-year deal with the Parkhead club. Celtic also paid �1.5m to Hibs for Laursen, who has clinched a five-year contract. The Dane will provide extra competition at the back for Celtic youngster Stephen Crainey. Hedman voiced his desire to join the Glasgow giants after speaking to international team-mates Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjallby. The 29 year-old Swede said: "It's a great honour to sign for Celtic. "This move will give me a tremendous opportunity for my career." Laursen added: "I'm delighted to have joined.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neil said: "I'm sure they will prove to be quality additions." O'Neill has also managed to complete the signings before the Champions League deadline next week. The Irishman needed a new keeper in his squad after Dmitri Kharine was released in the summer. Hedman will now join Rab Douglas and Jonathan Gould in the Parkhead ranks. Belgian midfielder Kevin Francks has begun a 10-day trial at Celtic in a bid to win a permanent switch from Real Madrid. Third-time lucky It will be the third time the 20-year-old has trained at Parkhead having had two trial spells last season. The former Ghent playmaker joined Real Madrid two years ago but has found first-team opportunities difficult to come by. He told Celtic's official website: "I am here for 10 days and in that time I hope to win a contract. Francks played for a Celtic XI in a charity game against Fife junior side Steelend Vics on Wednesday night. "I will play on Sunday against a League of Ireland select and I hope I can impress the manager," he continued. "It is a great club and I would obviously be delighted to be offered a contract." O'Neill has already signed David Fernandez from Livingston earlier this summer. | |
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