Uruguay left back Diego Laxalt last night admitted he would love to make his Celtic debut against Rangers next week after sealing a season-long loan from AC Milan.
Laxalt, who moved to Milan from their Serie A rivals Genoa in a £12.5m transfer in 2018, was the only arrival at Parkhead before the close of the summer transfer window yesterday.
The 24-times capped 27-year-old, who can also play on the wing, joins fellow new signings Shane Duffy and Mohamed Elyounoussi, who are also on loan, as well as Albian Ajeti, Vasilis Barkas and David Turnbull in the East End of Glasgow.
Neil Lennon was keen to add to his options on the left side of the park with Boli Bolingoli, who had been disciplined after breaking coronavirus protocols, departing for Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir last month.
The Scottish champions, who are bidding to win 10-In-A-Row in the 2020/21 campaign, take on their city rivals in the first Premiership game after the international break on Saturday week and the defender is keen to be involved.
"I heard rumours a few days ago but I remained calm about it,” said Laxalt. “Then things happened in the last 24 hours and I was very happy to come to Celtic. It's a great club and I can't wait to get started.
"I learned that Rangers is the next match. I cannot wait to play for Celtic in any match. That game has a big history. I know the clubs are rivals on the field. I am looking forward to playing that game and I am looking forward to having a result.”
Celtic have been drawn in the same group as AC Milan in the Europa League and Laxalt could find himself up against his parent club.
"It's a coincidence that we have been drawn in the group with AC Milan,” he said. "It's a great opportunity here and it doesn't matter who the opposition is.
"My head and heart are at Celtic now and I am looking forward to the opportunity to play. It will be a special game for me because my club is AC Milan but I will need to focus on the game.
“All I am thinking of is Celtic right. That's where all my concentration is. I want to help Celtic now. I am not at AC Milan and all my focus is on doing the best for the club.”
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