Coventry City chairman Bryan Richardson today played down reports that Scottish giants Celtic have targeted Sky Blues centre half Gary Breen.

Reports from north of the border suggested that Celtic have lined up the Republic of Ireland international as a replacement for unsettled former Bolton player Alan Stubbs, who has been linked with a move to Villa Park.

But Richardson today said:

"If they have made an offer no one has told me about it. I don’t know anything about it at all."

Richardson said Breen was not on the list but did not rule out the club contemplating an offer for the former Birmingham City player.

It is reported in the Scottish press however that Breen's lawyer, Roger Terrell, has confirmed that:

"We have been in discussion with a Premier League club."

Meanwhile City skipper Gary McAllister is ready to resume his international career a year after learning he would miss the World Cup.

The 34-year-old Scottish midfielder broke down in a comeback game after a knee ligament injury and immediately knew his chances of leading his country out against Brazil had gone.

But after a comeback late last year, he has rediscovered his form and is ready to return to Craig Brown’s fold for the Euro 2000 qualifier against Bosnia.

He said:

"I have played 22 games for Coventry since my injury so I am now ready to resume my international career.

"I am hopeful of resuming my captaincy but I am more concerned about getting back and playing for my country.

"Nothing will ever make up for missing the World Cup but it would be a major bonus to play in Euro 2000 and that is a big target for me now."