SOCCER

Celtic are through to the final round of qualifiers for this season's Champions League.

The Hoops battled their way to a scoreless draw in Azerbaijan tonight, which was enough to see them get past their opponents Qarabag with a 1-0 aggregate victory.

The draw for the play-off round, which will also include Manchester United, takes place on Friday.

Irish international Ciaran Clark has signed a new five-year deal with Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old centre-half has risen through the ranks of the club to become a first-team regular at Villa Park, making 22 league starts last season.

Meanwhile, Irish under-21 international Sean Murray has joined Wigan Athletic on a one-month loan from Watford.

In other football news, former Irish international Keith Andrews has confirmed his retirement.

The 34-year-old has agreed to take up a full-time coaching role with MK Dons after deciding not to take up the option of another season.

BOXING

The World Amateur Boxing Assocation says it is disappointed with the news that Katie Taylor will not be appearing on the undercard to Andy Lee's upcoming world title defence.

The London Olympic champion was in talks to take part in the fight night at Thomond Park on September 19th, but Lee's trainer Adam Booth confirmed yesterday that the two sides could not reach an agreement.

The initial speculation was that the world governing body had blocked the involvement of an amateur fighter in a professional event.

But the AIBA has released a statement this evening, insisting that they had given their approval to the bout.

RUGBY

Munster have swooped to sign former Australian international Mark Chisholm.

The province have attempted to fill the void left by the departure of Paul O'Connell to Toulon after announcing the capture of the experienced second-row, who has agreed a two-year contract.