Keane fulfils boyhood dream

United departure
The 34-year-old midfielder ended a 12-year spell at Old Trafford when he left the English Premiership side last month. Several clubs including Everton FC, Bolton Wanderers FC and even Spanish giants Real Madrid CF had been linked with moves for the Irishman, but Keane was set on joining the team he supported as a boy.

'Where I belong'
"It's been a strange few weeks having left United, but it's a great move for me and I'm looking forward to the challenge," said Keane, who will wear the No16 shirt for Celtic. "I feel this is where I belong. I've not come up here on a PR trip or an ego trip or to unwind, far from it. I've come up here to win football matches and help the squad. I feel I can help the club move on to the next level."

'He's a competitor'
Manager Gordon Strachan added: "He's a competitor and you can't have enough competitors in your squad. It was too good a chance to miss out on one of the world's best football competitors. I've always enjoyed having a competitor beside me when I played and I certainly enjoy having them as a manager."

Lack of action
Keane, who has not played competitively since breaking a bone in his foot against Liverpool FC in September, inspired United to seven league titles after joining from Nottingham Forest FC in 1993. He will be eligible to make his debut in January. Celtic, who have 44 points from 18 games, are three points above Heart of Midlothian FC at the top of the Scottish Premier League.