Naylor : Done Deal?

Mick McCarthy has admitted that Lee Naylor's transfer to Celtic is now imminent.

Talking to the clubs officxial site he said :

'I think we are at a stage where we have got a deal that's acceptable.'

Lee is the club's longest serving player, and is fast approaching his testimonial year, but with a risk of him leaving next season on a Bosman, Mick McCarthy has taken the option of a cash return for the player who has never given less than 100% for the Wanderers cause.

'I've said all along that Lee leaving is not what I wanted to happen but with the player out of contract at the end of the season it's probably good business sense.'

Not long ago, the loss of yet another player from the dressing room would have seemed disastous, but its a measure of the good work laid down by McCarthy in his first few weeks at Molineux that there are now enough players willing, and able to step into the outgoing left backs boots for it not to have a negative impact on the side.

'And it's probably good team sense as well. When you've got a player who has done great for the club, if someone comes in for him and he gets that opportunity, I fully understand his desire to move on to fresh pastures.' McCarthy added

'He's had a good innings here and done well for the club so I've no problem with that and, as we proved on Saturday, if somebody leaves then someone else comes in and plays.'

Ther are mixed feelings about Lee Naylors departure. Many thought that he may go his entire career as a one club man, a rareity in the modern game.

But when the likes of Celtic come calling, and the promise of Champions League football, even the most commited player would find temptation hard to resist.

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