ALAN Stubbs was looking forward to playing for Celtic against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday in Brian McClair's Testimonial until the Parkhead physio ruled him out.

That just about sums up the season for the former Wanderers' skipper who has been hit so badly by suspension and injury that he just hasn't been able to get for going.

So much so that he admits: "This has probably been my worst season in football."

Despite the problems of struggling to establish himself, having a close-up view of Glasgow rivals Rangers matching Celtic's record-breaking nine successive championships and seeing his England ambitions stopped in their tracks, Stubbs is still determined to make a name for himself north of the border.

"It's been a difficult year for me" he admits. "I've had a few niggling injuries and I've been up and down. But I'm settled up here and I am enjoying it.

"When you compare the two leagues, the league down here is much stronger but I went to Celtic because of the club and the stadium, nothing else. "My England ambition is still there and hopefully next year I can start playing well and put myself in contention. If you go out and play well people are going to recognise you, wherever you are playing and whoever you are playing for."

Stubbs says he has been delighted to see Wanderers bounce back in Championship-winning style from last season's relegation and admits: "I always look for their results. Deep down you will always have a soft spot for the team you've played for for so long."

So could he see the day when he might return?

"Who's to say they would ever want me back?" he replies with a wry smile.

"But there are so many twists and turns in football that you never know."

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