CELTIC striker Scott McDonald has apologised for his shocking tackle on Hibs full-back David van Zanten.

The Australian international was lucky to only get a yellow card after his challenge left the former Hoops youngster in a heap.

And he said: "Sometimes strikers have to hold their hands up and admit they are not the best tacklers in the world. And this is one of those occasions.

"It was a badly-timed tackle on my part and it wasn't helped by the conditions, but I want to make it clear there was no malice on my part.

"I would never attempt to hurt a fellow professional and anyone who knows me knows that to be true. As soon as I made contact I could tell it was a bad one and you could tell by my reaction.

"I was just delighted to see him get back on his feet and back on the park. The first thing I did was apologise to him.

"I don't think he was in much of a mood to accept my apology at the time and I can't say I blame him. I would have probably been the same.

"But I'm sorry and I'm happy there was no damage."

Celtic supporters clubs are coughing up to pay Artur Boruc's £500 fine dished out by the SFA.

The £30,000-a-week Hoops keeper was punished after he was caught making a gesture to Rangers supporters during the recent Old Firm game.

Scores of fans have already donated £1 on line after a campaign was launched to back the fans favourite.

Meanwhile, Gordon Strachan faces massive competition if he is to sign KRC Genk striker Elianiv Barda.

The £4m-rated frontman was watched by over 40 scouts at the weekend as a host of clubs consider trying to sign the Israeli attacker.

Barda netted 16 goals in 32 games for his Belgian employers but wants to now move to a bigger club.