Celtic sign McGinn

Celtic today completed the signing of Derry City’s Niall McGinn on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The Scottish champions announced the capture of the 21-year-old minutes after confirming fellow winger Aiden McGeady had been suspended from first-team duty for two weeks.

Celtic have been pursuing McGinn for some time, and the Northern Ireland international will take his place in the squad when the transfer window opens on January 1.

A boyhood Hoops fan, McGinn joined Derry City last year and was recently voted Young Player of the Year in the Eircom League.

He shunned interest from England to move to Parkhead for an undisclosed fee.

He told his new club’s official website, www.celticfc.net: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here.

“It’s been a great season for me with Derry, and to now have joined Celtic just tops it all off.

“There was another club showing real interest. But when I knew Celtic wanted to sign me, my mind was made up. I’ve just been working hard and I’m over the moon to get it all sorted.

“This is a great club. I’ve supported Celtic since I was a boy, and the stadium is incredible.

“I’ve had a look around Lennoxtown as well, and it’s a top-class facility. I just can’t wait to get started now and get in training with all the players.

“It’s been a great year for me.

“To get voted young player of the year, make my international debut and then sign for Celtic is a dream.”

A former team-mate of Paddy McCourt, McGinn can play on either wing.

“I’m a winger and I like to get at defenders,” he said. I can play on the right or left and I just want to make a contribution at Celtic.

“I’ve had a chat with Paddy and the likes of Neil Lennon.

“Paddy said it was a dream for him to play for Celtic, and I feel the same way. I’m just going to work hard and hope to take any chances that come my way.”

McGinn’s arrival will further fuel speculation Celtic are set to offload McGeady, following his weekend bust-up with manager Gordon Strachan.