Rabiu Ibrahim has long harboured ambitions at joining Celtic– and he couldn’t contain his excitement after the move finally came to fruition.

 The gifted Nigerian youngster agreed a three-and-a-half-year with the club last week, and the final hurdle to the move was cleared on Monday afternoon when he was granted a work permit.

 After rising to prominence during his exceptional displays at youth level for his country, he was tracked by many of Europe’s top clubs. He eventually joined Sporting Lisbon, before embarking on a spell at PSV Eindhoven.

 The 20-year-old revealed that during that time, he’d also been aware of Celtic’s interest. Delighted at now becoming a Bhoy, he believed he was at the right club to realise his undoubted potential.

 Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Ibrahim said: “I feel very happy and excited to be joining Celtic. I have always wanted to join Celtic for a long time to develop myself.

 “They were interested in me in 2010 when I was with Sporting Lisbon. I don’t know why that never happened but that was then and I’m happy now that I’m here at Celtic.

 “I started at U17 in Nigeria and after that I left for Sporting Lisbon and spent three years over there, and today I’m here with Celtic and I’m delighted to be here. The atmosphere here is great, and the people are great.

They are always nice to me and encouraging me," he added.

"So I already feel at home.

 “The players have made me feel welcome and happy. It’s just like a big family here. They carry everybody along, and I’m happy with that.

 “I’m delighted as Celtic are a big club - they like good players, produce good players and encourage and give the young players the opportunity to prove themselves and showcase their talents. So I’m happy that I’m here and strongly believe that I will get the opportunity to prove myself and improve my game."

 A skilful and creative midfielder, Ibrahim also impressed Neil Lennon during a week he spent with the club, performing impressively in a bounce game against St Johnstone, and the manager moved swiftly to secure his signature.

 “I felt very okay because I played as if I was with the team for a long time,” the Nigerian said. "I felt relaxed. The players are very good and talented so they made it easy for me. They know what to do at the right time and that’s why I played very good.

 “I’m a creative player and a good passer who will create a lot of chances. But I’m also a hardworking player who will work for the team and I’m hoping to help the team win more trophies, starting this season."

 And the manager’s positive approach, particularly among the younger members of the side, was one reason why Ibrahim was keen to take up residence in Paradise.

 “He’s a great coach and he encourages young players, and since I came in he has been encouraging me," explained the new Bhoy. "Any time I make a good pass or move, he always says something good to me, so that makes me feel very happy and at home."

 Aware of the Celtic’s traditional attacking philosophy and illustrious history, Ibrahim is keen to break into the top-team and help them achieve further success.

 “I love the way the club plays football - they play passing, attacking football and try to win every game,” he added.

 “They want to be on top always and win so many trophies and they are still fighting to win trophies this season and I want to be there among the players when they do that.”