I can handle any flak over my big move, insists new Bhoy Allan

SCOTT ALLAN insists he will brush off the flak generated by his move to Celtic and grasp the opportunity of success at Parkhead. The midfielder was the subject of three unsuccessful bids from boyhood favourites Rangers during a summer saga, submitting a transfer request as Hibs stood firm on not selling to their Championship rivals. Celtic then moved to win the chase for his signature, landing Allan on a fouryear contract last Friday after striking a cash-plus-player deal with the Easter Road club. Allan’s decision to join the champions has disappointed Rangers fans who had hoped he would sit tight to sign a pre-contract with Mark Warburton’s side in January. The 23-year-old is adamant, however, that he has made the right switch for his career and believes his past allegiance shouldn’t be an issue in the modern day. Celtic’s history features a number of high-profile names who were Rangers

supporters in their youth, including Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain. ‘It’s 2015, and things have moved on,’ said Allan. ‘Celtic have had great players in the past who have done it. ‘For me, it’s just about working hard and trying to force my way into the team. ‘The thought process for me was: “what’s best for my career?” That’s why I made the decision. ‘It was as clear as that — going up a division and the chance of European football. I’ll train and develop with good international players. ‘It’s the champions, isn’t it? It’s a chance of winning things and that’s what you set out to do as a kid. I’ll have that opportunity here.’ Allan, who will continue to live in Glasgow, added: ‘I just made the decision on football terms, I wasn’t really bothered what came with it. ‘I know I’ll get a lot of stick off some people, but it’s about playing football and developing and this is the right place for me.’ Allan was formally unveiled as a Celtic player yesterday, having been paraded on the Parkhead pitch prior to Saturday’s 4-2 win over Inverness. He stressed he hadn’t been tempted to hold off on deciding his future, adding: ‘When Celtic came in, I weighed up those factors and it was easy for me.’ Asked whether Rangers fans would have to get over his decision, Allan replied: ‘It’s football, isn’t it? This is the decision I made for my best interests. I’m sure there will be other players who go on to do well for them.’ He also rejected any suggestion that finance had been a primary motive. It’s thought Allan will earn around £7,000 per week at Parkhead. ‘It was purely football terms,’ he said. ‘It’s the chance to go up a division and play European football. Ask any player and nine times out of 10 they would make this decision.’