BHOY'S OWEN STUFF

I would have loved to have played for Celts says strike legend

- RYAN MCDONALD

MICHAEL OWEN would love to have worn the iconic green and white hoops of Celtic - a club close to his heart thanks to his family ties.

The striker dazzled for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Manchester United. But the 45-year-old, who hung up his boots in 2013, has always had a special affection for Celtic.

In an exclusive interview with Record Sport, courtesy of AceOdds, Owen said: "My dad grew up, spent a lot of time in Scotland, his mum was Scottish. My grandparents' side of the family are Glaswegian, the Donnelly family.

"All his side of the family were huge Celtic fans. Naturally my dad got me a Celtic shirt when I was a kid and I followed them as my team in Scotland." Owen was linked with a move to Parkhead in 2009 when his Toon contract expired. But he plumped instead for a switch to Old Trafford.