Celtic hope to lure Schwarzer

Scottish Premier League club Celtic have their sites set on luring Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer away from English Premiership side Middlesbrough.

The Socceroo keeper is Celtic's top choice to replace 28-year-old Artur Boruc, the Daily Mirror reported.

"Celtic already have sounded out Middlesbrough ace Schwarzer, 35, about moving north to the SPL champions," the paper said.

Schwarzer, who saved a last-minute penalty in the Socceroos' 0-0 World Cup qualifier with China, joined Middlesbrough in a STG1.5 million ($A3.2 million) move from Bradford in February 1997 and has been first-choice goalkeeper ever since.

The veteran `keeper is out of contract at the end of the season, which means he can leave Middlesbrough on a free transfer.

If he joins Celtic, he will line up alongside fellow Socceroo Scott McDonald, who has been enjoying a stellar season with the club after scoring 26 goals across all competitions.</p>