Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 9:20am

Pars sign Mason on eve of Celtic tie

by Ally McRoberts

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FORMER midfield dynamo Gary Mason could go straight into the team to play Celtic on Sunday after agreeing to return to East End Park.

The 30-year-old, who is not cup-tied, signed until the end of the season but is targeting a longer stay.

Mason told Press Sport, "The aim is to hopefully do well enough to impress the manager and get a longer contract.

"The deal is to the end of the season, I'd like to stay longer but it's up to me to earn that."

Mason was released by Hamilton in December but was tied up in a whirlwind move that could see him pitched straight into the live TV showdown with the Hoops.

But he admitted, "I haven't really thought about that as everything happened so quickly.

"I only heard this morning (Wednesday), I went over about 2.30pm and got everything done.

"When I got the call I didn't have to think twice, it was a no-brainer and I'm delighted to get the chance to come back.

"I had six great years here and a lot of good times but this is obviously a new challenge."

Signed by Jimmy Calderwood in December 2000, the Edinburgh-born player made more than 200 appearances and scored nine goals in a six-and-a-half year spell at the club.

A Man City player as a kid, he made his name for the Pars in central midfield as the team finished fourth in the SPL and reached the Scottish Cup final in 2004, when the team lost 3-1 to Celtic.

Mason also played in the UEFA Cup clashes against Icelandic side Hafnarfjordur and another Hampden showpiece, the League Cup final defeat to Celtic, in 2006.

When the Pars were relegated under Stephen Kenny in May 2007, he opted to stay in the SPL with St Mirren until he left the Buddies last summer.

He had a short spell with Hamilton but played only a handful of matches before being released in December.

"Everything's always easier in hindsight but at the time I thought it was the right move to leave and join St Mirren," he said.

"I'm now looking forward to trying to help the club move forward.

"Celtic have done us in cup finals in the past, which obviously sticks in the mind, but we got the job done to reach these finals in the first place.

"We've got an opportunity on Sunday and hope to show what we're all about."

While Mason has signed, the deal to sign Sam Morrow has hit a snag.

The Pars had wanted to sign the striker until the end of the season but that move is now in doubt.