Celtic sign Hinkel from Sevilla

Celtic have completed the signing of Sevilla defender Andreas Hinkel. The 25-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Glasgow club.

Hinkel has won 17 caps for Germany but joins after a disappointing 18-month spell in Spain, during which he struggled to establish himself in the Sevilla first team.

Hinkel was also wanted in the Bundesliga by Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg but opted for a move to Parkhead.

He told www.celticfc.net : "I am delighted to sign for Celtic Football Club and am really looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates.

"Celtic is a great club with a great history, having achieved such success at home and in Europe. It is a great honour to join the club and I hope to play an important part in the club's future over the next few years.

"Having already played against Celtic in European competition, I am well aware of the magnificent stadium and wonderful passionate support which the club enjoys.

"I will be doing my very best to work as hard as I can to try and bring as much success as possible to the Celtic fans."

© 2008 The Irish Times