MIDFIELD enforcer Oliver Abildgaard became Ange Postecoglou’s NINTH summer signing when he agreed a season-long loan deal tonight.
The Danish international will team up again with his former Rubin Kazan team-mates Carl Starfelt and Sead Haksabanovic at Parkhead as the Hoops boss finalised his plans before the midnight deadline.
Abildgaard will bolster Postecoglou’s defensive middle of the park options alongside skipper Callum McGregor, Aaron Mooy, James McCarthy and Yosuke Ideguchi as the Greek-Austraian gaffer prepares for the rigours at home and abroad.
The 26-year-old ballwinner said: “This is a day I’ve been very much looking forward to ever since I heard the possibility of coming here.
“I’ve been following the highlights recently and I’ve also been keeping my eye on Carl Starfelt ever since he moved here a year ago.
“He’s been amazed by the club and the life in Glasgow, as well. He’s enjoying it very much and he’s only told me good things about it.”
GREEN FOR GO…Oliver Abildgaard is looking forward to competing at Celtic this season.
Abildgaard, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “My main strengths are as a holding midfielder and I’ll do whatever the manager and the coaching staff will require from me.
“Due to my physique, I’m very strong, I will win my duels and I’m able to be the link between our defence and our attacking players.”
The player, who has been booked 18 times and red-carded twice in his two years in Russian football, is hoping to get the nod from the manager to show his capabilities, especially in the Champions League which kicks off against European masters Real Madrid in Glasgow on Tuesday.
The Dane added: “At all times it would be perfect to come here, but, of course, with these big games coming up, I’m really looking forward to feeling the atmosphere, not only in the stadium, but also in the city.
“I’ve only heard very good things about the fans and the culture of the club. It goes without saying how big the fanbase and I’m just looking forward to being part of it.”
Abildgaard is the second player to arrive on loan in this transfer window along with German centre-back Moritz Jenz who agreed a similar switch from Lorient last month.
