Scott Allan signs for Celtic while Hibs get Liam Henderson on loan

  • Published
Hibernian midfielder Scott AllanImage source, SNS Group
Image caption,

Scott Allan has left Hibernian after a year at Easter Road

New Celtic signing Scott Allan says he is "delighted" to have signed for "such a fantastic club".

The 23-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year deal with the Scottish champions after a fee plus player deal was agreed with Hibernian.

Hibs have taken Liam Henderson on loan for the season as part of the deal, with the midfielder having extended his contract at Celtic until 2018.

"It is such an honour to be given this opportunity," Allan said., external

"I can't wait to get started and play my part in bringing success to Celtic and our supporters.

"There are so many exciting challenges ahead for us now in Scotland and in Europe and I am looking forward to being part of all that lies ahead.

"I know a number of players well at the club already, so it will be great to team up with these lads again as well as all my other new team-mates, and I know we will work hard together to bring more good times to our fans.

"I know the high-quality of players at the club and I know it will be a big personal challenge for me but it's one I'm ready for and one I am relishing.

Image source, SNS
Image caption,

Liam Henderson spent time on loan at Rosenborg of Norway last season

"I would like to thank the many fans who have already welcomed me to the club. I really appreciate this support."

Manager Ronny Deila added on Celtic's website: "We're really pleased to welcome Scott to Celtic.

"He's a player of huge potential and someone who is hungry for success, a young player who can have a big future at our club."

Rangers had three bids for Allan rejected, with Hibs adamant they would not do business with a Championship rival.

Allan submitted a transfer request following the second of those offers from the Ibrox club.

Talking on Friday, Rangers manager Mark Warburton said: "We only want players here who want to play for Rangers. He is not my player and it's not for me to talk about it."

Rotherham made an enquiry about the former Dundee United and West Brom player but quickly ended their interest when told Allan was not keen on leaving Scotland.

Celtic winger James Forrest had welcomed the prospect of his former Scotland Under-21 team-mate Allan joining the club, saying he "can definitely fit in here".

Image source, SNS
Image caption,

Celtic winger James Forrest says Allan has "a lot of flair"

And Forrest does not expect Allan's well-publicised allegiance to Rangers to be an issue with the Celtic support.

"Once you start playing games, everything will be forgotten about and I'm sure the fans will be right behind him because he will be a really good player for Celtic," said Forrest.

"I'm definitely sure Scotty can come here and do really well. He's got a lot of flair, he's really good going forward and he's technically very good.

"He's the type of player that Celtic look for. They're always looking to bring in top quality players. It keeps everyone on their toes - if you look through the squad every position has a few players who can play there, so it keeps the standards high."

"Once you start playing games, everything will be forgotten about and I'm sure the fans will be right behind him because he will be a really good player for Celtic," said Forrest.

"I'm definitely sure Scotty can come here and do really well. He's got a lot of flair, he's really good going forward and he's technically very good.

"He's the type of player that Celtic look for. They're always looking to bring in top quality players. It keeps everyone on their toes - if you look through the squad every position has a few players who can play there, so it keeps the standards high."

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.