Riordan escapes waiting game

New Celtic striker Derek Riordan admits the early completion of his transfer to Parkhead has left him a relieved man.

When the former Hibernian player originally agreed his pre-contract with the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions, it was with the proviso that he would not be moving to Glasgow until January 18 – two days after his 24th birthday.

This had meant Hibs would not receive any compensation under SPL rules governing the transfer of players under the age of 24.

Riordan was contracted to the Leith club until October and faced being in limbo between then and January.

And Hibees’ manager Tony Mowbray admitted he was worried at how the Easter Road fans would treat their star striker in his remaining few months at the club.

Hibs supporters had turned on their skipper Gary Caldwell in January after he had revealed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, ironically to sign for Celtic.

However, Hoops boss Gordon Strachan paid a reported fee of £150,000 to fast-forward the beginning of the talented striker’s Celtic career.

And Riordan, who signed a three-year-deal for the Parkhead club, could not be happier.

He said: “I’m delighted. It helps coming to Celtic at the beginning of the season.

“I haven’t spoken to Tony Mowbray and so I don’t know what would have happened if I had stayed with Hibs.

“But I would have been a bit worried if I had stayed so I’m just glad I’m now at Celtic.

“It’s happened to Hibs and Hearts players over the years (leaving for the Old Firm) but I’ve got to try and progress my career.

“And now I’m getting the chance to work with the team earlier, rather than coming in halfway through the season.

“It would have been harder for me if I hadn’t played at Hibs in the new season and didn’t get much match fitness.

“I met my new team-mates at training this morning and shook hands with them.

“I know Gary Caldwell and Kenny Miller and some of the younger players such as Shaun Maloney, Mark Wilson, Craig Beattie and John Kennedy through the Scotland set-up.

“So I’m looking forward to playing here and hoping to score lots of goals.”