New Bhoy Ibrahim fulfils ambition

RABIU IBRAHIM claims he has fulfilled a personal ambition by joining Celtic after his move was officially completed yesterday.

The Parkhead club have confirmed the transfer — first revealed last week — has now been rubber-stamped after the 20-year-old Nigerian was granted a work permit.

The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder says he has been aware of interest from the Hoops since 2010 and, now that he has sealed a switch to Glasgow on a three-and-a-half year deal, Ibrahim is confident he can only improve as a player at his new club.

He said: “I feel very happy and excited to be joining Celtic. I have wanted to join Celtic for a long time to develop myself.

“They were interested in me in 2010 when I was with Sporting Lisbon.

“I don’t know why that never happened but that was then and I’m happy now that I’m here at Celtic.

“The atmosphere here is great, and the people are great. They are always nice to me and encouraging me so I already feel at home.

“The players have made me feel welcome and happy. It’s just like a big family here. They carry everybody along, and I’m happy with that.

“I’m delighted as Celtic are a big club — they like good players, produce good players and encourage and give the young players the opportunity to prove themselves and showcase their talents.

“I’m happy that I’m here and strongly believe that I will get the opportunity to prove myself and improve my game.”

Ibrahim convinced Neil Lennon to offer him a contract after impressing in a practice match against St Johnstone.

He added: “I felt very okay because I played as if I was with the team for a long time. I felt relaxed.

“The players are very good and talented so they made it easy for me. They know what to do at the right time and that’s why I played very well.

“I’m a creative player and a good passer who will create a lot of chances.

“But I’m also a hardworking player who will work for the team and I’m hoping to help the team win more trophies, starting this season.”

Meanwhile, Celtic winger James Forrest claims he will not pay any attention to speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed after his side’s defeat by Manchester City that the 20-year-old is a player he has had watched.

But Forrest said on Sky Sports News: “It’s obviously good to hear but it doesn’t bother me. As long as I’m playing well with Celtic, hopefully we can keep getting three points, that’s what we want to do.”