Sheridan receives late call-up for US trip

Bailieborough native Cillian Sheridan, who was omitted from Celtic manager Neil Lennon's original squad to tour the US as reported here last week, was called-up at late notice and flew out with the rest of team after fellow countryman Aiden McGeady withdrew because of a hamstring injury. The striker was understandably delighted to secure a seat on the plane as it gave him a direct chance to try to impress Lennon. And, his reward for travelling half-way across the world at short notice was the opportunity to pull on the famous green and white hoops for the first time in over 18 months after spending time at Motherwell, Plymouth and St. Johnstone on loan. "It's been a long time since I pulled a Celtic jersey on and it felt good to be out there again. I don't know how things will work out but I'd love to stay and be a part of the manager's plans. "I improved as a player out on loan and my confidence grew from getting games under my belt. This is a new start for everyone and I want to be a part of the manager's plans. It's up to me to prove to him I'm worth a place in the team. I've enjoyed it so far and I want to impress him," said the young attacker speaking in the US. Although Sheridan came on in the first game against Philadelphia Union and started in an unfamiliar role of left-back against Seattle Sounders his future with Glasgow Celtic looks uncertain at this point. The fact that he was omitted from the squad to face Manchester United in a glamour friendly, which they lost 3-1, doesn't bode well as Lennon put out arguably his strongest available hand for that game last Friday. Having not featured on the original travelling panel and with Lennon snapping up Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy last week - Sheridan now seems well down the pecking order at Celtic Park. Several clubs have already formally enquired about a possible loan switch for the forward but Celtic may be keen to cash in on the former Cavan minor now after his recent appearances for the Republic of Ireland senior team saw his value reach around £300,000. However, only Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia have seemed willing to stump up that kind of cash for the forward while Hearts, Hibernian and Charlton Athletic are also believed to be keen.