Celtic pull off Bellamy transfer coup

Celtic tonight pulled off the coup of transfer deadline day by snapping up Newcastle outcast Craig Bellamy.

The 25-year-old striker came through a medical in Glasgow after turning down the chance to join Birmingham earlier in the day.

Bellamy agreed to join on loan until the end of the season, and he will team up with Wales team-mate John Hartson at Parkhead.

Bellamy was quick to express his respect for O'Neill after his signing.

He said: “Obviously, when a club like Celtic are interested in you, you take notice.

“Traditionally, this club is magnificent and so is the manager and now I’m looking forward to working alongside Martin O’Neill and (Celtic assistant coach) Steve Walford, who I know well.”

But O’Neill credited Newcastle for allowing the loan deal to go through.

The Celtic boss also revealed there is an option to sign Bellamy on a full contract at the end of the current campaign.

O’Neill said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic to have signed Craig until the end of the season. I must also say a big thank you to Newcastle United for allowing us to have that offer on the table to be taken up.

“We do have an option to sign Craig on a more permanent basis at the end of the season.”

After talks with Birmingham manager Steve Bruce, the Welsh international decided the permanent deal was not right for him.

Bruce tried to get Bellamy on loan until the end of the season but that was not acceptable to Newcastle.

Magpies boss Graeme Souness has made it clear the controversial forward has no future at St James’ Park while he is in charge, following his TV outburst last week.