Manager of Kilmarnock Kenny Shiels has backed their newly signed Nigerian international midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim to step up his career at the modest Scottish Premier League club.

Rabiu has so far failed to make an impact at notable European clubs like Sporting Lisbon, PSV Eindhoven and Celtic. But Shiels believes the 21-year-old playmaker who has so far had a stunted career has the capacity to live up to his full potential.

“I would class Rabiu as a player we can develop,” Shiels said. “I think Rabiu’s career is on the descent and I don’t want to give him any discouragement when I say that. But he needs a kick-start – and I feel we can provide that.

Kilmarnock have completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim from Celtic on a permanent basis.

The 21-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with the Rugby Park club after Celtic allowed the player to move on in search of regular first-team football.

Ibrahim had an offer from abroad and was also believed to be a loan target for other Scottish sides.

“He’s signed a two year deal with us,” Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels told STV.

“I believe it’s quite a coup for Kilmarnock and we are a good fit for him.

Yannick Sagbo scored the opening goal of the game for Evian, but his side lost a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Nice. The Ivory Coast striker has scored twice in 17 appearances for Evian.

League holders Montpellier won their third game in a row after thrashing Bastia 4-0. Morocco striker Younes Belhanda was among the scorers, accounting for the third goal on the hour mark to take his tally to six finishes.

Fellow Moroccan Kamel Chafni equalised in the 63rd minute for Brest four minutes after his side conceded to Sochaux. It was Chafni's first goal of Ligue 1 this season as Brest took all three points after winning 2-1.

Scottish Premier League giants Celtic have confirmed Ghana wonder boy Frank Acheampong has joined the club on trial.

The 19-year-old arrived at Lennoxtown on Friday to convince manager Neil Lennon about his undoubted talent. 

If he passes the test, his Thailand Premier League side Buriram United are ready to sell him for US$ 1 million. 

"We are ready to release him. We are in talks with several clubs. We want to sell him and not to let him join any club on loan," Buriram United manager Thadthep Pitakchompulsin said.

Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama is recuperating well from a throat infection.

Wanyama told supersport.com that he was under the observation of the team doctor and would be going back to training either on Friday this week or next week Monday.

He also took time to wish the Harambee Stars squad success as they meet Tanzania's Taifa stars in an international friendly on Wednesday in Mwanza.

"I contracted a throat infection after our match against Barcelona and so could not travel to Kenya. I am recuperating well under the watchful eyes of the team doctor and will be back in training either on Friday or next week Monday."

Ghanaian brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew scored two second half goals for Olympique Marseille as they spanked hosts Ajaccio 2:0 to go level on points with Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint Germain.

Marseille, who still have a game in hand, had not scored in their last three games and started the poorer of the two sides.

However the visitiors came out stronger in the second half and were rewarded when Andre headed them in front ten minutes after the restart, following good work from Burkina Faso midfielder Charles Kabore.

Ajaccio fought back in a bid to rescue their game, but it was Marseille who sealed the win three minutes from time when Jordan side-stepped his marker after a cross from Mathieu Valbuena and fired low into the net.

Celtic's Neil Lennon has valued Victor Wanyama at £25m after it was confirmed that the Kenya midfielder has rejected the offer of a new contract.

But the manager insists that Celtic are "under no pressure to sell" the 21-year-old he rates good enough to play for Barcelona.

"£25m," said Lennon when asked to put a value on the player. "Wanyama has the world at his feet.

"But his feet are here and they won't be going anywhere unless we say so."

The midfielder joined Celtic in July 2011 in a £900,000 move from Belgian top-flight club Beerschot, signing a four-year contract.

Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama has snubbed Celtic's offer of an improved contract, according to his agent on Thursday.

Wanyama's current deal with the Scottish champions lasts until 2015, but Celtic were keen to tie him to a new contract to fend off interest from several English Premier League clubs including Manchester United.

However, the 21-year-old, who joined Celtic from Belgian side Beerschot in 2011, doesn't believe the Hoops' offer reflects his value and he has rejected the deal.

Wanyama's agent Rob Moore told STV: "Victor has informed Celtic the contract offer fell short of his expectations.

SPAIN

Angola striker Manucho scored the opener in the ninth minute for Real Valladolid away to Malaga but his early jubilation was spoiled when he was sent off on 81 minutes - and his side lost 2-1.

Morocco striker Youssef El-Arabi pulled a goal back for 10-man Granada but his side still went down 2-1 at home to Real Zaragoza.


NETHERLANDS

Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony became top scorer in the Dutch top-flight at the weekend after his two goals for Vitesse Arnhem helped his side to secure all three points in the 3-0 win over NAC Breda.

It has been a superb week for Nigerian defender Efe Ambrose after he scored his debut goals for his national team and his new club Celtic.

The 24-year-old broke his duck for Scottish champions Celtic as they thumped hosts St Mirren 5:0 in a league game today Saturday.

The former Ashdod of Israel star scored the second goal for Celtic, turning home a free kick after it was flicked on by Kenya star Victor Wanyama in the 18th minute.

Wanyama, 21, then scored twice more for the Scottish champions to ensure a 4:0 lead at the break.