Allan Completes Celtic Switch

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Celtic have confirmed the signing of midfielder Scott Allan on a four-year deal from Hibernian Allan, a boyhood fan of Celtic's Old Firm rivals Rangers, underwent a medical on Friday ahead of his move to the Scottish champions.

Rangers had, in fact, failed with three bids for Allan, but the 23-year-old former West Brom player will now turn out for Ronny Deila's side in the Premiership.

He told the Celtic website: I am absolutely delighted to sign for Celtic, such a fantastic club. It is such an honour to be given this opportunity and I can't wait to get started and play my part in bringing success to Celtic and our supporters.''

Allan, who joined Hibernian in the summer of 2014 and made 30 appearances for the Championship side, added: 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.

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.''

Despite his boyhood allegiances, Allan now has the chance to impress Celtic fans, with the club set to show him off to the Hoops faithful before their match against Inverness on Saturday.

In fact, one of his new colleagues in James Forrest is confident Allan's exploits on the pitch can win plenty over.

Forrest, a former Scotland Under-21 team-mate of Allan, said: If he does sign, once you start playing games then everything gets forgotten about.

I am sure the fans will be right behind him because he will be a really good player for Celtic.

Obviously I know him coming through the youths and he has played with Dundee United and Hibs.

He is a really good player. He has got a lot of flair, good going forward and technically really good.''

Forrest also rejected the notion Celtic moved for Allan only to get one over on Rangers, saying: I don't think it has anything to do with that.

Celtic are always looking to bring in top players and if we do sign him he will be looking to play and do well, and that's what we want, competition for places.''