BENJAMIN ARTHUR became the FOURTH player to join Celtic on loan in this window when he agreed a temporary move from Brentford.
The 20-year-old central defender has been brought in as cover with Cameron Carter-Vickers almost certainly out for the remainder of the season.
Martin O’Neill needed reinforcements in the middle of the rearguard and Arthur, who played in the London side’s Carabao League Cup victory over Aston Villa earlier this season, has answered the call.
Arthur said: “I am really honoured and happy to be joining Celtic. It is one of the world’s biggest clubs, so it’s a really exciting move for me.
“I know we have a quality squad with guys who have won so much already. I can’t wait to join them and, hopefully, play my part in bringing more success to the club and to our fans.
“We have a lot of challenges ahead and I am ready to do all I can to help the club achieve all it can.”
LOAN BHOY…Stephen Welsh is heading back to Motherwell.
Interim boss O’Neill, speaking to the club website, added: “I’m really happy that we have brought Benjamin to the club.
“I think he can be a very important addition to our squad during the remainder of the season.
“He is an excellent player, with real attributes, good height, strength and speed.
“I know he can only help improve the squad across the number of games which we will face over the next few months.”
The arrival of Arthur has enabled the Hoops to allow Stephen Welsh to return to Motherwell on loan.
The 26-year-old centre-back was recalled to Parkhead and played in the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Auchinleck Talbot, but has now gone back to resume at Fir Park where he made 17 appearances in the first part of the season.
Earlier on deadline day, the champions signed Austrian international striker Junior Adamu on a temporary switch from Bundesliga outfit SC Freiburg, as CQN reported.
The Hoops have an option to buy in the contract and the Celtic fans may get their first glimpse of the 24-year-old frontman against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday evening.
Mexico international right-back Julian Araujo, from Bournemouth, and Borussia Monchengladbach striker Tomas Cvancara have also signed deals until the end of the season.
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