Deadline Day Delight

Jeremy Toljan is already starting to play his part for the Hoops after joining from Borussia Dortmund

- Tony Connelly

JEREMY Toljan became Brendan Rodgers’ final signing of the January transfer window after Celtic fought off interest from other clubs to acquire the highly-rated German defender on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

For Toljan, the decision to join the Scottish champions was an easy one and he is preparing to make an immediate impact in the Hoops. Indeed, he made his debut at McDiarmid Park on Sunday, coming on for the second-half in place of Mikael Lustig and helping his new team to a 2-0 win over St Johnstone to re-establish a six-point lead at the top of the Premiership table.

For the player, concluding the deal to Celtic and getting the opportunity to play for the Scottish champions has been both a relief and a thrill, and he’s looking forward to playing his part as Brendan Rodgers’ side push on in search of more silverware this season.

“It feels great to be here,” the 24-year-old said in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “It’s a big club and I’m looking forward to getting started. It’s going to be a big challenge but it’s one I really wanted.

“For me, it was busy right from the start. I arrived in Glasgow and, within an hour, I was doing press but I was looking forward to starting training.

“I was a bit nervous. When you don’t know where to go, or whether you’re staying or going, it’s not easy. It was quite late, but many things have to come together in such a move. There was a lot of discussion between the two clubs but thankfully it all came together.”

A player of Toljan’s quality understandably attracted attention from other clubs around Europe. He admitted there were other opportunities, but after speaking with Brendan Rodgers, his mind was made up.