O'Neill reveals Pearson enquiry

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed that he has made an enquiry for Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson.

Pearson's future at Fir Park is up in the air as he is locked in talks with Motherwell about a new deal.

Celtic and a number of Premiership sides have been linked with the highly-rated midfielder and it seems Pearson could be on his way out of Lanarkshire

The Scottish Under-21 international's contract expires in the summer and he is available to talk to interested clubs in January.

O'Neill is looking to bolster his midfield having failed to add to his squad in the summer and he could step up his interest in Pearson in January when the transfer window re-opens.

"I will answer this by saying that I made an enquiry to (Motherwell manager Terry Butcher) Terry and that's as far as that's gone," said O'Neill.

Meanwhile, O'Neill has given Scotland boss Berti Vogts a boost by revealing that Jackie McNamara is in line for a return to action after making a quicker than expected return to fitness.

The versatile performer has been out since pulling his hamstring against Anderlecht, but he could make his return against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

"He's trained the last couple of days and hasn't had any real affects," said O'Neill.

"That's a strong possibility (playing tomorrow) but we'll see how he is this evening.

"We will have a little look but he has trained now for a few days and he doesn't feel any ill affects."