København bring in Hooiveld on loan

Danish titleholders FC København have signed Dutch centre-back Jos Hooiveld on loan from Celtic FC until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has been restricted to just ten appearances since arriving in Scotland from Swedish side AIK Solna 12 months ago, and his switch to København could be made permanent in the summer. "I'm looking forward to returning to Scandinavia," said the former FC Inter Turku and sc Heerenveen defender. "I had my greatest success there, winning the championships in Sweden and Finland. Now I'm looking forward to joining Scandinavia's greatest team!

"I had a good time in Scotland, but it has been pretty frustrating being hit by so many spells out injured. This season I have been completely free of injury, though, and now I have an a huge opportunity to showcase my skills at København. I am going to do all I can to repay the confidence the club has shown me."

FCK sporting director Carsten V Jensen is chief among his admirers, explaining: "Jos Hooiveld impressed us during his time at AIK, where he was a key player in the team that won the league and cup double in 2010. Being a naturally left-footed central defender he gives us fresh options at the back."

Nineteen points clear at the top of the Danish Super League at the winter break, FCK will face Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The first leg is at home on 22 February, with the return in west London three weeks later.