Striker heads for Australia

James Keatings is going on trial with Australian side Brisbane Roar.

The striker was released at the end of last season by Celtic without having made a first team appearance.

Roar boss Mike Mulvey is aware of Keatings’ prolific scoring record for the Celtic youth side and is keen to see if the 21-year-old can recapture the form that was stalled by injury.

Keatings was averaging two goals a game in the 2010/11 season when he was stuck down by a cruciate injury against Hamilton Accies.

Loan spells at St Johnstone and Hamilton never worked out with the striker returning to Celtic in January with his only goal for the u-20 side clinching the SPL title at Inverness in April.

The A-League resumes in October with the arrival of players like Alex del Pierro and Emile Heskey raising the profile in a country dominated by other sports.

Former Celt Liam Miller signed for Roar in May with Mulvey delighted by the arrival of the midfielder.

Announcing the signing the Roar boss said: “On behalf of the club, I’d like to welcome Liam to Brisbane and say we’re very excited to have him on board with us.

“I see Liam as a key piece to our midfield puzzle – he brings experience and poise and a good work ethic.

“I can’t wait to see how he combines with the talent we already have here at Brisbane Roar.”

Miller added: “I’m very happy to be joining a club with such a strong football culture both on and off the pitch.

“I know how proud and passionate Brisbane Roar fans are and I look forward to proving to them I am worthy of wearing this orange jersey.”

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