Wieghorst winning battle for new deal

The Danish international was impressive in the Tennents Scottish Cup win over Alloa on Tuesday night scoring in just his second start of the season having recovered from brain disease - Guillain Barre Syndrome.

It was the former Dundee man's first goal in over two years and O'Neill feels that Wieghorst is pushing for a regular start in the league leaders side.

Wieghorst is out of contract in the summer, but O'Neill feels that the midfielder is getting closer to proving he deserves a new deal at Parkhead.

"It was definitely a bonus for him," said O'Neill. "I asked him before the game if he fancied starting; he was up for it and was excited by it.

"He never asks for any sympathy because he wants to be judged on merit and he got his opportunity and took it.

"It was good to see him come through this as this was a big competitive match. I know he played in the CIS Insurance Cup game at home but here he had to work in what was a potential banana skin.

"He got us playing and I'm really pleased he got a goal and that is an enormous boost for him.

"We had a little chat a couple of weeks ago and I told him that he was a bit off at this minute, but that will come no question right up until the end of the season.

"I know he wants a deal on merit and I'm in no hurry to see him off the premises."

Meanwhile, Celtic misfit Rafael has revealed he has not given up hope of making his way into Brazil's World Cup squad.

The Brazilian, who was brought over to Glasgow from Gremio in January 2000 by former Bhoys boss John Barnes in a near £5 million deal, has failed to establish himself at Parkhead and he has been loaned out to Corinthians since September 2000.

The 23-year-old's stay was extended earlier this month and he hopes to recover his best form to win a place in the Brazil side.

"It is a dream of mine to go to the World Cup and Cornithians always have players in the Brazilian team," said Rafael.

The defender has not ruled out a move back to Europe, despite his miserable time in Glasgow as he knows he can earn better money in Europe.

"The salaries in Europe are a lot greater than they are in Brazil but there are times when this is not important," said Rafael. "Happiness in the place you work is.

"But it is my dream to return to Europe and play and I will probably do that next year. I want to make my career there."