CHELSEA hitkid Shim Mheuka was a loan target for a several clubs in the summer.
However, there was only one team for the 18-year-old striker when Celtic expressed an interest.
Mheuka had no hesitation in signing a season-long deal at the champions and has already made two substitute appearances in the wins against Aberdeen, 3-0 at Parkhead a week ago, and St Mirren, 2-1 in Paisley at the weekend.
The powerfully-built attack-leader is hoping to get the opportunity to show his qualities when Martin O’Neill’s side take on St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park this evening.
Reflecting on a whirlwind few days, Mheuka said: “The appeal of Celtic was everything, from the way they play football, to the fanbase and the league itself.
SO NEAR AND YET SO VAR…Shim Mheuka slips the ball past St Mirren keeper Jacob Chapman, but the ‘goal’ was ruled out for offside.
“Celtic is the perfect step in my development and to take me to the next level.
“I heard about their interest throughout the window.
“There are clubs who show interest in you, but it’s about talking to those close to you and who have your best interests at heart, whether it’s at Chelsea or friends and family, to make the best decision.”
Mheuka revealed the role former Ibrox loanee Mikey Moore played in his move across the border.
The Spurs winger had taken the same route a year ago when ex-boss Russell Martin brought him to Glasgow for a season.
Mheuka and Moore have been team-mates for England Under-17s and 19s and they chatted about the prospect.
The forward, speaking to CelticPlayer, continued: “Mikey’s a good friend of mine, so I spoke to him before I came here and he told me it’s a beautiful city and I’d really enjoy it.
“He also told me I was on the wrong side of Glasgow, but I told him, no I’m on the right side of the city!”
Mheuka believed he had opened his scoring account for the Hoops when he whipped a low shot past St Mirren keeper Jacob Chapman at the weekend for what would have been the visitors’ third goal.
However, VAR intervened and the referee eventually rule out the strike for offside.
SHOVE OFF…Shim Mheuka in a tussle for possession with St Mirren’s Alex Gogic.
Mheuka added: “I thought I’d scored the other night, but that’s football.
“Hopefully that’s just a teaser and there will be more opportunities.
“Coming to Scotland there’s more excitement than nerves. I moved from Brighton to Chelsea early in my academy days, so it doesn’t faze me.
“I like to think I can take it in my stride. It’s been a very high level so far. All leagues are different and they all have their unique things.
“But watching from the bench in the first couple of games, it’s been amazing to see. I feel like I can develop and learn new lessons here.
“Everyone has welcomed me like a family. The fans are top class, as well, and I knew that coming in.
“It’s been really exciting and I’ve been raring to go and show my abilities.
“It’s been amazing so far.”
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