Lambert welcomes new arrival Fernandez

Celtic midfielder Paul Lambert has welcomed the £1m (€1.6m) addition of striker David Fernandez to the squad.

The 26-year-old has joined the club on a four-year deal from Livingston, who he helped guide into next season’s UEFA Cup.

And Scotland international Lambert believes the Parkhead newcomer will prove an excellent capture as the club contemplate a second successive season in the Champions League.

Lambert said: ‘‘Any player who comes to the club at the moment will be a great addition for us.

‘‘As everyone knows, it is squad game these days and you need players around to play well.’’

Fernandez admitted the lure of the Champions League was too much to resist but warned he still has a long way to go before anyone can make comparisons with Lubomir Moravcik, who left the club at the end of last season.

Fernandez said: ‘‘It is a pleasure to be compared to someone like Moravcik but I still have a lot of work to do to be as good as him in the future.

‘‘It’s hard to express my feelings (about the move). This is the best team in Scotland, and there will be the opportunity there to play in the Champions League next season.

‘‘This is an amazing chance for me because I’ve never played in the Champions League before.

‘‘This is amazing for me - the best thing in my career - so I’m going to give my very best in every game. I first heard about Celtic’s interest three days ago, and I was so happy.’’

Fernandez has already spoken to Martin O’Neill about his own position next season after playing as a striker for Livi.

Fernandez said: ‘‘I met the gaffer yesterday, so I know more or less what he wants of me, but the pre-season starts on July 2, and we will know more then.’’

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill believes the capture of long-time target Fernandez will further boost his side’s chances of success next season.

O’Neill said: ‘‘David is a player with tremendous ability and I believe he will be a great signing for the club.

‘‘We have major challenges ahead on the domestic and European fronts and, in facing these, David will be very important to Celtic.’’

Fernandez began his career in Scotland when he joined Steve Archibald at Airdrie from Deportivo La Coruna.

He moved for free to Livingston last March after the collapse of the former Scotland international’s bid to buy over the Lanarkshire club.

His move to Celtic comes 24 hours after Livingston re-signed forward David Bingham and offered a deal to former Argentina midfielder Sergio Berti.

Boss Jim Leishman said: ‘‘It is a bit of a blow because he has been a great player for us.’’