Hartely hopes for Cup start

Paul Hartley is eager to make his Celtic debut against Livingston in the Tennent’s Scottish Cup on Sunday.

The £1.1m (€1.6m) signing from Hearts, who completed his move yesterday, is available for the fourth-round tie because his red card in last year’s final meant he was banned for Hearts’ third-round opener this term.

Midfielder Hartley told Channel 67 it has proved to be a convenient dismissal.

“I think it was,” he said. “I missed the first game and that means I’m available for Sunday against Livingston, and hopefully I’m included.”

The 30-year-old Scotland international was also being lined up by Rangers, but was quick to choose Celtic above their Old Firm rivals.

“I’m over the moon,” he told the club’s in-house television channel.

“It’s a dream come true. Being a Celtic supporter, it’s every boy’s dream and I’m glad I’m finally here.”

Once the interest from Gordon Strachan became apparent, Hartley jumped at the move.

He admitted: “There was only one decision to make then – how quickly I could get across to Celtic Park. Yesterday was a long day but finally everything has been signed and I’ll just hopefully enjoy my football here.”

Admitting he is “still nervous” about the challenge ahead, Hartley added: “I know a lot of the boys from Scotland, and the likes of Neil Lennon, so I’m sure they’ll make me feel welcome. I came here to win silverware and hopefully I can achieve that.”