Celtic have announced the signing of Tyler Blackett on a season long loan from Manchester United.

The 21-year-old defender has previously had loan spells at Blackpool and Birmingham and could be a replacement for Virgil van Dijk, linked heavily with a move to Southampton.

The announcement was made on the Parkhead club’s website during their Ladbrokes Premiership game with St Johnstone.

The England Under-21 cap was introduced to the home support at the interval to a rousing cheer and was photographed in traditional style, holding a Celtic scarf aloft.

Blackett, who has played once for England Under-21s, signed his first professional deal with United three years ago and had loan spells with Blackpool and Birmingham in the 2013/14 season.

He made 12 appearances for United last term but finds himself behind the likes of Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Marcus Rojo in the pecking order at Old Trafford.