Hartson needs career-saving op

Celtic have confirmed striker John Hartson will need a back operation to save his career.

The Welsh international missed the end of last season due to a similar problem, which required surgery.

Now the former West Ham and Arsenal forward must undergo a further operation on Saturday which is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season.

Hartson has been warned that he will face up to four months of rehabilitation.

Scans carried out on Monday revealed a deterioration in one of his lumbar discs - above the one which kept him out of the UEFA Cup final in May.

The 28-year-old is expected to be fit for pre-season training.

Celtic's official website, www.celticfc.net, reported: "That is considered a realistic target and, while reluctant to quantify the long-term impact on his career, the club's medical staff are hopeful that Hartson will bounce back, as he has succeeded in doing on several occasions already during an injury-plagued career."