New Hoops man Bauer ‘honoured’ to sign on

Celtic boss Neil Lennon adds Austrian on loan deal to provide defensive cover

Celtic have signed right-back Moritz Bauer on a season-long loan deal from Stoke City.

The 27-year-old Austria international joined the Potters in 2018 and made 21 Sky Bet Championship starts, the last of those coming on the final day of the 2018-19 campaign.

He will not be able to make his debut against AIK Stockholm in tonight’s Europa League clash but declared himself ready to go if required against Rangers in Sunday’s Old Firm derby.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon has been looking for cover at right-back, having brought in Hatem Abd Elhamed after allowing Mikael Lustig and Christian Gamboa to leave.

Bauer told the club’s website: “I’m really, really looking forward to it. I know about the stadium, the historical Celtic Park, and I hope that I can win trophies here and have a very successful season.

“It’s a massive club with a big history and when you see the stadium from the outside and the players there who have already worn the jersey – they are big names.

“I love being here and having the target of being first as I like that pressure. There are players here who have already won titles, and it’s a big opportunity for me to learn from them and grow as a player as I hope to be part of a successful team.”

Bauer, speaking at a press conference at Celtic Park, added he could not wait to get started.

He said: “The fans here can expect a very hard worker. I may not be the most talented guy but I make it up with work.

“I like to play with attacking football. I bring some pace and dynamics to the game.

“I think the atmosphere here will really suit me. I want to make the crowd proud. I will put everything into it that I have.

“After the announcement I had a phone full of congratulations because everyone knows that Celtic is a historical and really big club.

“It’s quite an honour to wear these colours and everybody is very happy for me – but none of them are as happy as I am.

“When I was at Stoke I’d drive in some times with Darren Fletcher and he was one of the first people to congratulate me. Charlie Adam – who played for the other side obviously – text me already.

“Fletcher is a really big player and I learned a lot from him. The same with Charlie. They know Scottish football and both said I will feel really happy here.

“Our former coach at Stoke, Paul Lambert, was telling us about the Old Firm derby day in, day out, so I think it’s going to be amazing.”

SNS. Picture: Moritz Bauer said he will give the fans everything after completing his move to Celtic Park.