Celtic snare striking prospect Hutchinson

Celtic FC have signed promising young striker Ben Hutchinson from Middlesbrough FC on a pre-contract agreement.

Debut goal
The English Premier League club had hoped the 20-year-old, who scored on his first-team debut against Manchester City FC this season, would have committed his future to the Riverside club. However, the Scottish champions have beaten Gareth Southgate's side and a host of Premier League clubs to secure Hutchinson's signature.

Dramatic rise
The player, who has only made eight substitute appearances in the league for Middlesbrough, is likely to join Celtic in the summer although Hutchinson could move north of the border if a transfer fee can be arranged between both clubs before the end of the January transfer window. Hutchinson, who qualifies to play for England and Jamaica, joined Middlesbrough from non-league outfit Arnold Town FC in 2006. Celtic host FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round first leg on 20 February.