New Bhoy surprised by quick move

Mark Wilson spent months reading how he would be snapped up by Celtic and, when it finally happened, he admits he was almost surprised by the move.

The 21-year-old defender finally completed his switch from Dundee United this afternoon, penning a four-and-a-half year deal.

It was the culmination of a frantic day, which saw him undergo a medical at Glasgow's Ross Hall hospital early this morning after both clubs agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £500,000.

His new manager, Gordon Strachan, revealed this afternoon how he had been tracking the youngster from the moment he arrived at the club in the summer and speculation about the move has continued to surround the player for almost as long.

Reflecting on his move to his boyhood heroes, Wilson beamed: "I don't think it's really sunk in yet that I've signed for a club of this size.

"It's a privilege to get the honour and opportunity to come here and play for them.

"There was a lot of speculation but I had to concentrate on my job at Dundee United and I didn't really think anything was coming of it.

"It all happened rather fast in the end."

Celtic's defence has come under the spotlight in recent weeks but Wilson still expects forcing his way into the top team to be a difficult task.

He added: "I know there are a lot of quality players here and it's a big squad.

"I don't expect to break in right away but I'll get my head down in training, work hard and try to impress the manager and hopefully break into the team.

"I've played a lot of games for United but it's down to hard work now.

"In training you have to impress the manager and the backroom staff to get your chance and, hopefully, given the opportunity, I can do that."

Wilson added: "It's definitely a proud day. It's a club the family have supported all their lives.

"I'm sure they would have been just as proud if I had signed for any other club but it's a bit special coming here. I came here as a boy and it's a happy day for me."