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By: JT | January 31st, 2008

There’s nothing quite like transfer deadline day.

Its enjoyable during the summer to be sure, but the closing of the January window is unlike anything else in sport. The clubs are mid-season, and they know their squads’ deficiencies far better than they did heading into the campaign.

Supporters know what they want brought in too, and they tell the world on every corner of the interweb. The press compounds the fun by printing any half-truth that comes out of the mouth of opportunistic agents across Europe.

Its a beautiful thing.

Like most other clubs who still have much to play for this season, its a busy day at Celtic Park.

Its been rumored for a while, and now its come to fruition. Celtic have agreed to a transfer fee with Dundee United for their captain Barry Robson. The 29 year-old Robson, who can play on the left or in the center of midfield, will cost the Bhoys £1.25m and is set to sign a three-and-a-half year contract.

A loan move to United for exciting midfield prospect Jim O’Brien sealed the deal.

Admittedly Robson has been in as fine a form as any midfielder in the SPL so far this season, but it seems unlikely that he’ll be getting much time for Celtic barring any injuries. His goal is to get back into the Scotland squad and Celtic certainly provide a higher platform to perform on, both domestically and in Europe.

From the Bhoys perspective, depth is crucial, but midfield is by far the deepest area of the squad already. The money really could have been spent on a proven striker, a central defender, or a quality left-back to provide some competition for Lee Naylor. I’m not sure when Robson’s going to crack the first team, but I’d expect it to be a while.

The move for Robson makes a little more sense when you find out that Jiri Jarosik is heading back to Russia for cash and striker Igor Shevchenko.

I’m a bit surprised that Jiri was shipped out, because he seemed to be a key element of WGS‘ plan during the Champions League group stages. He played well and earned his spot on the pitch. Now a player who lacks the experience, and frankly the quality, of Jarosik is expected to fill his role. Thats poor calculus in my opinion.

I have no idea who Igor Shevchenko is, but I did find a video highlight from the long dormant Russia Offside which shows someone alleged to be the aforementioned Shevchenko scoring a pretty impressive goal in his club’s season opener. Check it out. That goal and the fact that he’s described as a “youngster” make him sound like he’s worth a look. How do Celtic find these guys?

As foreshadowed in this very space, American keeper Brad Guzan has snubbed Celtic for Aston Villa.

That’s all I’ve got for the moment, and I tend to think this will be it for Celtic’s movement during the window. I’ll update as the day progresses, although I’m out at 1530 est…