MARTIN O’NEILL welcomed Haissem Hassan to Celtic after his £9million deal from Real Oviedo was sealed yesterday.
And the Hoops manager believes the Egyptian World Cup winger has a pivotal role to play for the champions at home and abroad in another crucial crusade.
O’Neill, speaking to CelticPlayer, said: “We are delighted to bring Haissem to Celtic and I think the club has done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him.
“He is someone who I think has the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football.
“I know he is excited about being with us and I am sure our fans will enjoy the energy and attacking intent which Haissem will bring to matches.
HOOP HOOP HOORAY…new Bhoy Haissem Hassan holds aloft the No.23 jersey.
“I hope he will become a very important member of our squad going forward.”
Hassan has arrived on a four-year deal with the club holding the option of a further 12 months.
The 24-year-old wide Bhoy, who will wear the No.23 jersey, will go straight into the Hoops’ Champions League squad with the UEFA signing deadline just before 11pm this evening.
There is still time for two additional players 24 hours before the first leg qualifier against LASK at Parkhead on Wednesday.
After the paperwork had been concluded, a beaming Hassan added: “It is a great moment and a real honour for me to join Celtic, a phenomenal club with such a brilliant history and wonderful supporters.
“When I heard about Celtic being interested in me, I had to get here and be part of the club.
“I am really looking forward to getting to know all my team-mates and facing the challenges we have ahead of us.
“I want to play my part in bringing success to our fans.”
Hassan is the third arrival in a whirlwind period of activity at the Hoops with something in the region of £26million already spent on Danish striker Kasper Hogh, from Bodo/Glimt, and Colombian raider Camilo Duran, from Qarabag.
‘AT CELTIC EVERYTHING IS ABOUT WINNING,’ £9m HASSAN KNOWS THE SCORE
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