Code Red for Toure reunion with Bren

KOLO TOURE signed a one-year deal at Celtic yesterday and instantly hailed his relationship with Brendan Rodgers as key for his move north.

The 35-year-old Ivory Coast star helped Liverpool to the Europa League Final last season.

And the experience of the former Anfield, Arsenal and Manchester City player will be crucial as Celtic look to make an impact at Champions League level this season.

“I played with Brendan at Liverpool and when we spoke about the chance for me to come here I was really happy,” Toure, below, told Celtic TV.

“He’s a top manager. For me it’s a privilege to come and work with him again. I feel really excited because it’s going

to be a new challenge for me. I’ve come to one of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s a privilege for me to be here.

“I know a few friends who play football here and I know what the club has been achieving, winning a lot of trophies and playing Champions League a lot so that’s something I’m looking at.”

Toure will not fly to Kazakhstan with the team today, leaving a late option of a wildcard still available.

The deadline for this E European round passed la last Thursday, which means that unless Toure is registered as a wildcard prior to the second leg of the game against Astana – presumably a scenario that will unfold only if there are no late arrivals to the squad in the next 48 hours – he can’t feature in either leg of the game against the Kazakhstan side.

Certainly, while Celtic were working behind the scenes to bring in one o other addition to the squad who would be eligible to play, there was some frustration that they couldn’t get another deal concluded in time.

Scott Sinclair at Aston Villa was subject of another bid, but so far this weekend’s business has been restricted to Toure.

“I’ve played in good teams in England with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool,” said the 35-year-old.

“The first thing is that I love the game and the only thing I know is hard work. I’ll give everything I’ve got to help the team succeed and that’s my main target.

“I feel great. I have a special personal trainer and I was back in the Ivory Coast training with him. My body is ready, ready to work hard and give everything for the club.

“I have been playing for top clubs and I’m used to the challenge and I’m here to give everything I’ve got to win my place.

“You can only win your place on the pitch and that’s through hard work, dedication and determination and I’m ready for that.”