Bellamy urged Adam Matthews to make Celtic move

New Celtic signing Adam Matthews says advice from ex-Cardiff team-mate Craig Bellamy sold him on a move to Glasgow.

Matthews has signed a four-year deal at Celtic and says Bellamy, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club in 2005, urged him to make the move.

"Craig Bellamy said the supporters are great up here, that they treat you well if you treat them well," Matthews said.

"They have a massive fan-base; they are the second most supported club in the world so it was a no-brainer."

Matthews is eager to play in front of the passionate Glasgow supporters, having experienced the atmosphere they generate first hand.

"I came up to watch the Celtic-Rangers [League Cup] final at Hampden. The atmosphere was amazing and I just can't wait to get involved and play in the games," he added.

"I've been at Cardiff my whole career, the only real derby they have is Swansea. That's a massive derby but I think this one tops it.

"I've never been to a game with an atmosphere like it."

Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley, another former Cardiff team-mate, convinced Matthews he was making the right move.

Matthews said: "I spoke to Joe before I signed and he said 'the club is massive, you don't notice it until you get up here, the size of the club, the supporters'.

"Celtic are a massive club so that helped my decision. I couldn't turn down the chance to play for them, they are one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Matthews made his debut for Wales against Scotland in the Carling Nations Cup and hopes his move north will help secure a regular slot in Gary Speed's squad.

"That's my next goal. I'll hopefully get a starting place for Celtic and then cement my place in the national team. I think I have a great chance with Celtic to do so," he said.

"It's going to be difficult, Mark Wilson has had a great season. It's going to be hard to cement my place in the team but I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully I can convince Neil Lennon that I am good enough to play."