FORGOTTEN man Simon Grayson could be a shock transfer target for new Celtic boss Martin O'Neill.

The 30-year-old full-back has been told by Blackburn boss Graeme Souness he is free to find himself a new club this summer, following the arrival of John Curtis from Manchester United.

And that could signal a surprise swoop from new Bhoys boss O'Neill as he looks to challenge Rangers dynasty north of the border.

Former Leicester star Grayson was a big favourite of O'Neill's during his time at Filbert Street, where he was handed the captaincy and voted the club's player of the year.

And when his old manager heard the player might be available earlier this summer, he looked into the possibility of taking him back to Leicester.

O'Neill's subsequent move to Scotland has since scuppered Grayson's chances of a move back to the Foxes.

But O'Neill's interest may still be alive with Grayson likely to be available for a cut-price fee.

And provided the terms were right -- for both Rovers and the player -- then Grayson could well be keen on a move as he looks to resurrect his career.

"I've been told by the club that I can find myself a new club, provided it's right for me and it's right for them," said Grayson. "So far, things are fairly quiet but I expect the merry-go-round to start moving in the next few weeks.

"I did speak to Martin O'Neill earlier in the summer and when he knew I might be available he said he would look into it.

"He said he would be interested in re-signing me but then he left Leicester for Celtic.

"I've always got on well with him, though, and he's done a lot for my career.

"And it would be great to work with him again."

Grayson's future with Rovers is all but over after Souness decided to leave him behind when the squad flew out to Germany for a mini pre-season tour earlier this week.

But the player is determined to keep his spirits up as he continues to train with Rovers' other forgotten men -- Darren Peacock, Nathan Blake, Keith Gillespie, Per Frandsen and Billy McKinlay.

"It was a bit of a surprise to be left out of the tour," said Grayson.

"But I suppose the writing was on the wall because I didn't figure in the team at the back end of last season.

"I cannot afford to let it get me down, though.

"We've all got to do our pre-season work as normal because if clubs do come in for us we've got to be fit and ready to start the season."

All six players are likely to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly against St Mirren at Brockhall tomorrow.