WORDS OF GORD HAD ME HOOKED

PAUL HARTLEY last night revealed he joined Celtic because boss Gordon Strachan told him he was desperate to have him in his team.

Hartley opted to move to Parkhead in a dream £1.1 million switch despite Hearts receiving a similar bid from Rangers.

The Scotland midfielder admitted he was humbled by the interest shown in him by both clubs.

But once Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell had put his club's cash on the table, Hartley knew he would be off to Paradise.

He had feared his chance of playing for the Hoops had gone for good after a bid for him two years was rejected by the Jambos.

Hartley signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with a year's option after passing a medical in the early evening.

The 30-year-old said: "I knew from past comments from Gordon Strachan that he rated me as a player and I really appreciated that.

"I spoke to him on the phone and the only thing he had to say to me to clinch my signature was, 'I want you at Celtic'.

"I didn't need to hear anything else. My mind was immediately made up but it was great to hear him say he wanted me.

"It's a fantastic feeling, especially after the chance of a transfer to Celtic fell through two years ago.

"I thought I would never get the chance again so it is a very emotional day for me.

"Martin O'Neill had come in for me and I thought I was set to go but Hearts and Celtic couldn't agree a fee.

"It was a massive compliment that someone like Martin had shown interest and it was the same when Gordon made clear his interest."

Hartley admitted he was aware that Rangers had matched Celtic's offer in the tug-of-war for his signature.

He said: "For managers like Walter Smith and Gordon to rate me as a player is a massive compliment.

"I have the greatest respect for Walter. He was the man who handed me the special honour of playing for my country and I loved working for him at international level.

"I thank Walter for the caps he gave me."

Hartley will be unveiled at a Parkhead press conference today then whisked off to link up with his new team-mates.

They include former Hearts skipper Steven Pressley, who signed for Celtic at the end of December after being axed at Tynecastle.

Hartley is bracing himself to receive the same treatment from Hearts fans that Pressley got when he returned to play there with Celtic.

He said: "I had three-and-a-half fantastic years with Hearts but I know when I go back to Tynecastle I'll get a bit of stick - just like Elvis did.

"But I can't wait to get into action as a Celtic player."

Taken from the Daily Record