BRIAN O'Neil yesterday completed his #750,000 move from Celtic to Aberdeen - then vowed to reclaim his Scotland place.
The 24-year-old O'Neil, who has signed a four-year deal, claimed that the lack of first-team opportunities at Parkhead was holding back his international ambitions. ''I have moved here for football reasons only. I feel I have a better chance of first-team football which can only help my Scotland chances,'' he said.
''I can't thank Aberdeen enough for showing faith in me, and I hope to repay it over the next four years.'' O'Neil believes that the influx of foreign imports has lessened the chances of young players making the breakthrough at Celtic or Rangers.
''At Celtic, I got the feeling that, because the foreign players cost a lot of money, they would get preference over Scots,'' he said. ''Aberdeen have offered me the chance to play regulary at first-team level. Celtic weren't offering that.''
''Every player wants to play for their country. The only way I can do that is to be involved in the premier division every week. I'm looking forward to playing my part in a new era at Pittodrie.''
Manager Roy Aitken said: ''I first made a move for Brian at the end of last season and am delighted he has come to Pittodrie to help us challenge the Old Firm.'' Aitken received another boost yesterday when executive vice-chaiman Stewart Milne gave him the go ahead to break the #1m barrier to bring Eoin Jess back to Pittodrie.
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