Burnley have so far refused to come up with Celtic's £1million asking fee that would allow Derek Riordan a transfer south

Celtic's demands may seem a bit harsh in view of the fact that the marginalised forward who was bought for £150,000 in June 2006 has started just two SPL games this season

Rumours persist that Derek Riordan may be used as bait to try and tempt Owen Coyle to part with Irishman Lafferty.

Wolves too have been linked with a move for Riordan offering around 750k. However it remains to be seen whether any of the other clubs who are known admirers are willing to cough up before the window slams shut again in a little over three weeks. Riordan can only hope so, as he seeks an end to 18 months of disappointment.

He must still have troubled nights when he reflects on the wisdom of his move west along the M8 from Easter Road. He was rightly touted by Celtic as 'one of Scotland's most exciting players' when agreeing a three-year contract, with a further year's option, ahead of the season before last.

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