Crusaders duo allowed to leave

Celtic are to release two players who played in the Crusaders’ first ever game back in 2006.

Half-back Damien Quinn and full-back Tony Duggan will not be retained beyond their current contracts which run out at the end of the year.

The Crusaders plan to revamp their squad after a season which has brought just two wins – against Bradford and Wigan – to date.

Chairman Leighton Samuel said: “It’s fair to say that our playing squad for 2010 will look significantly different to the one that has represented the club in its inaugural Super League season and the planning for next year starts right now.

“I’d like to put on record my thanks to both Tony and Damian, who have been with Crusaders since 2006 when the club played its first ever game against Hemel Stags.

“It was only right and proper that players who helped this club reach the top flight were rewarded with the opportunity to play in Super League.

“Tony and Damien won’t be the only two players to leave between now and the start of next season, because we need to free up space in the squad so that we can add more players with Super League experience to our playing roster.”

Australians Quinn, 28, and Duggan, 30, are now thought to be considering playing options in France for next year.