PROMISE TO IMPROVE ME AS A PLAYER MADE MOVE A NO-BRAINER, SAYS OLIVER
and being out at the training camp is a real bonus as I will get to know the team and get used to the environment at Celtic, so it was a no-brainer for me. ‘As soon as I found out about Celtic’s interest, I was really buzzing. I had options but the only choice in my head was Celtic. It’s a real privilege to be here and I’m looking forward to playing. ‘This is something I had to take on straight away. I had a chat with the manager and I had no hesitation. ‘I know I can develop under him. He’s shown he can improve players. I’ll give 100 per cent and I don’t see why this move can’t further my career. It will make it better.’ Burke flew straight to the United Arab Emirates to join the Celtic squad as soon as a loan was tied up on Saturday morning. ‘It’s an exciting time,’ added the former Red Bull Leipzig star. ‘I’m happy to be here and excited to now kick on. ‘I had my first training session today and really enjoyed it. I know a lot of the boys already, which helps. They are a great bunch of lads. ‘That makes it easier to come in. I know more than a few faces, so it was nice to see them again. I’m just delighted to be here. ‘I’ve been dropping in and out of teams, so I want to get back to my Nottingham Forest days, when I was at my best. ‘I need to be learning and I feel I’m under the right manager now to learn every day and get the best out of me. I believe Brendan can do that. ‘He’s very famous for it — and I’m ready to work and push on.’ Rodgers, meantime, welcomed young American striker Weah to the club last night and added: ‘Timothy’s a young talent who is a full international player. He has a long career ahead of him but has those natural attributes in terms of his pace and technique. He’s hungry, too. ‘He’s been in the PSG squad and featured for them in pre-season. With the quality of players they have, it’s difficult for him to get in and get any game-time. They wanted him to go out on loan and saw Celtic as a great possibility. ‘He has really good qualities, technically, and tactically is always improving his game. Physically, he’s very good, very fast and is a strong player. He’ll add competition to the squad.’ The new arrival from PSG admitted he was relishing the chance to play for Celtic. ‘It’s a fantastic honour to sign for such a historic club, and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,’ said Weah. ‘I’m also delighted to be working with such a great coach and great players, and I’m looking forward so much to be playing in front of some of the best and most passionate fans on the planet. I’m so happy and so excited.’ Burke and Weah’s arrival was tempered by the news last night that playmaker Tom Rogic broke a bone in his hand during Australia’s dismal 1-0 defeat to Jordan in the Asian Cup. Meanwhile, Bradford are the latest club to have enquired about taking Jack Hendry on loan.
Sportsmail revealed last week that Rodgers was keen for the 23-year-old Scotland defender to get game-time, with Sunderland and Portsmouth also interested in a loan deal.