Celtic have taken Fulham defender Rafik Halliche on trial.
The Algerian international was expected to join Swansea City on loan at the end of the summer transfer window but the paperwork was not completed in time to allow that move to go through. Halliche, who has made only two appearances since joining Fulham from Benfica last summer, has been included in the Celtic side that will take on Hibs in a reserve friendly this afternoon and could join the Scottish giants in January should he impress.
Hallice, 25, joined Fulham after an impressive 2010 World Cup with Algeria. He played in all three of his country’s group matches in South Africa and marked Wayne Rooney out of the game in their 0-0 draw with England. Halliche found his first-team opportunities limited following his £1.3m move from Benfica and made just two substitutes’ appearances for the Whites. On his debut, he brought down Craig Mackail-Smith to concede a penalty against Peterborough in the FA Cup and his only other first-team game saw him replace the injured Aaron Hughes against Stoke.
With the likes of Hughes, Brede Hangeland, Philippe Senderos and Chris Baird all competing for places at the heart of Fulham’s back four, Martin Jol has publicly stated that he will be trying to find a suitable destination for Halliche, whom he regards as an underrated defender, when the window re-opens.
