Celtic were knocked back in their efforts to keep trialist Dwayne De Rosario at the club. STV has learned the Toronto attacking midfielder, training at Lennoxtown during the MLS off-season, was subject to a bid from the SPL club earlier this week.

It was initially believed Celtic had ended their interest in the 32-year-old of their own accord, allowing him to return to Canada having failed to convince manager Neil Lennon he was worthy of a transfer bid.

Toronto head coach Aron Winter however has now revealed his captain was subject of an offer, which was a bid to register De Rosario as a Celtic player until the commencement of the MLS season on March 19.

“Celtic inquired about the possibility of extending Dwayne's time with them,” Winter told his club’s website. “My preference is for Dwayne to start the season with Toronto FC right from training camp.

"We are making a fresh start and need a strong competitive camp. Dwayne is the captain and leader and needs to be part of building a new winning culture.”

The player himself used his Twitter account to confirm his stay in Scotland was coming to an end, saying his club had rejected Celtic's bid to keep him on a short term basis.

"Thanks to all the Celtic supporters, players and coaching staff for making my trip to Scotland pleasant & memorable," he said. "TFC has denied Celtic's interest for a short term loan so I will be returning. I wish the Celtic club and supporters all the best for 2011."

De Rosario is coming to the end of a three-week training spell with Celtic which began under controversial circumstances. It emerged on the day of his first session with the first team squad that the player had not received permission from Toronto to travel to Scotland and was told to stop training.

After eventually gaining the appropriate paperwork from his parent club and MLS, De Rosario returned to the training field and featured in a closed doors game against Hibernian last week.

Canadian journalist Duane Rollins, who covers Toronto FC for MLSSoccer.com, says De Rosario's stint in Scotland has upset many back in Canada. But, when he returns to the fold for the Reds, Rollins says all is likely to be forgiven if he continues in his previous form.

“Toronto fans are feeling a little ambivalent about De Rosario right now,” he said. “Although he is a hero to many, likely the most dynamic player Canada has ever produced, the way the trial with Celtic played out left a sour taste in the month of many.

“However, the stark reality is that the club couldn't afford to lose his offense. So, any hard feelings will likely pass with the pragmatic need for him in the line-up.”