I'll never understand why they criticise Jan ...he's gets you the big goals

Jun 1 2008

INJURY wrecked five months of DaMarcus Beasley's debut season at Rangers but it was an old pal who compounded the winger's misery.

And the outcome was all too predictable for the sidelined American as he watched Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink deny him an SPL winner's medal.

A knee injury picked up in a Champions League clash at Stuttgart last November restricted him to a spectator's role as the SPL season roared to a thrilling climax.

Blow No.1 came as Vennegoor of Hesselink nabbed a last-gasp winner in a midweek Old Firm nailbiter at Parkhead back in April.

Blow No.2 came at Tannadice on the last day of term as the Dutchman grabbed the goal that sealed the crown for Celtic .

Earlier in the season Beasley had sent text messages to his old PSV Eindhoven pal congratulating him on his scoring prowess.

But by the time those strikes came around he couldn't bring himself to communicate with hismate - as the pain of realising Jan was costing Gers became too much.

Now the USA star is tipping Jan to build on his title success with Celtic and help steer Holland on a glory trail at Euro 2008. Beasley said: "I'm a footballer so I'm sure I'll watch a couple of the Euro 2008 games on TV. I won't have a favourite. I'll just look for good games.

"Jan Vennegoor is a good friend and I wish him all the best for this summer - obviously I never wish him well when I play against him but I hope Holland go far. I can't understand the criticism Jan receives sometimes. He gives you a different option but at the same time he is so technical. He has a solid touch and is a top scorer.

"That's what being a great forward is all about. Jan had a terrific record at PSV when we were together and has also been doing well for Celtic.

"Jan has scored a lot of big goals - he bagged a vital one against us and popped up again on the last day of the season at Tannadice.

"He's definitely not going anywhere. Celtic will keep him."

As if seeing Hesselink steer Celtic to the title wasn't bad enough for Beasley, another face in manager Gordon Strachan's ranks came back to haunt him too.

The 26-year-old wideman also played with Hoops loan star Giorgios Samaras during his time at Manchester City.

And if the Greek striker hangs around in Glasgow Beasley is hoping to meet up with him and Jan.

With injury ruling him out for so much of the campaign he didn't get a chance to test the Old Firm rivalry by dining out with his old friends.

DaMarcus said: "We haven't been able to go out yet. We've texted a couple of times, trying to arrange a night out but it hasn't happened so far.

"We talk once in a while, keep in touch. Maybe next year, myself Jan and Samaras can get together for a nice meal and nobody will bother us.

"Samaras is a nice guy. You make friends along the way in football and although they might play for my rivals I can still be mates with them.

"Neither texted me to boast when they won the title - they wouldn't do that. I texted Jan when he scored last season but not after the goal against Dundee United. Not the one that won the league.

I wouldn't do that!"