SCOTTISH Premier League champions Celtic are leading the chase to sign George Elokobi.Colchester United's promising left-back has been ever-present for the U's this season, and has been watched by several scouts from clubs both south and north of the border.

By Carl Marston

SCOTTISH Premier League champions Celtic are leading the chase to sign George Elokobi.

Colchester United's promising left-back has been ever-present for the U's this season, and has been watched by several scouts from clubs both south and north of the border.

Speculation increased yesterday linking Elokobi with a move to Celtic Park, although English Premier League club Reading are also reported to be interested in making an offer for the Cameroon-born defender.

U's manager Geraint Williams dismissed such talk as mere “speculation,” although there is no doubt that Elokobi is attracting a number of admirers as he establishes himself in the Championship.

“George has been doing OK for us this season, but there has been no contact from any club concerning him,” insisted Williams last night.

Elokobi's rise has been dramatic, ever since he arrived in this country from Africa in 2002.

The U's spotted him while he was playing for non-league club Dulwich Hamlet, and signed him during the summer of 2004.

The 21-year-old negotiated the big step up to professional football by producing a string of consistent performances for the Reserves, and then broke into the first team during the promotion campaign of 2005-06.

Elokobi endured a frustrating first season in the Championship, playing second fiddle to on-loan left-back Chris Barker, hence starting just eight games.

But he has made the left-back berth his own this term, edging out summer recruit Danny Granville at the start of the season. He has started all 14 league and cup games, and is due to start again against Leicester City tomorrow.

It will be interesting to see if any more scouts turn up at Layer Road for this 5.20pm kick-off, especially if there is a representative from Celtic or Reading.

Meanwhile, Jamie Guy's chances of a return to the first team this weekend have taken a knock.

Front-runner Guy has been troubled by a hamstring injury for the last month, but he was hopeful of being involved against Leicester after playing 75 minutes for the Reserves in Monday night's 3-3 draw at Peterborough.

Fellow striker Teddy Sheringham starts a three-match suspension tomorrow, following his sending-off for violent conduct during last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Coventry, so Guy was hopeful of taking his place in the 16-man squad.

Manager Williams revealed: "Jamie (Guy) was hoping to be back in contention, but the hamstring has tightened up again. We will have to wait and see how it settles down, but it's disappointing for Jamie, who is desperate to get back."

Colchester United's exciting teenage winger, Medy Elito, has been named in the England Under-18 squad to play Ghana at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium on Tuesday, November 20. Elito impressed for his country during this summer's Under-17s World Cup in South Korea. He is yet to make his senior debut for the U's.