Celtic round-up: Iwobi admission, Strachan downplays Rangers, Forrest forever?

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Iwobi admission

Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has revealed he actually came close to signing for Celtic as a teenager.

The Nigeria international was free to leave the club in 2012 when he was 16 as reported by The Scottish Sun.

Iwobi had a number of offers on the table with the ‘main’ one being from Celtic.

He said: “Celtic was the main one but I wasn’t ready to go to Scotland. I thought it was best to stay at Arsenal but I have to say it felt weird.”

In the end Iwobi stuck it out and has now proved himself to be a trusted member of Arsenal’s first-team squad, and under Unai Emery he has really improved this season.

Strachan downplays Rangers

Ex-Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has moved to downplay Rangers’ title hopes.

The 61-year-old, who managed the Bhoys from 2005 to 2009, reckons the Ibrox club are still far behind Celtic in terms of challenging for the Scottish Premiership.

Speaking to Paddy Power News as quoted by The Scotsman: “Celtic are still by far the best squad, who’ve been together a long time and know what’s needed.

Forrest forever?

James Forrest has pleased Celtic fans by talking up becoming a ‘one club man’.

The winger has been in brilliant form this term, scoring 11 goals and making two assists.

When asked by Ladbrokes if the title appealed to him, he replied: “Definitely. I’ve been here since I was nine. I know how hard it is to come through the youth [acedemy] and stay in the team as well. It’s a massive club, you’re always going for trophies every year and playing in Europe.”

That’s a big boost for Celtic supporters, who won’t want to lose such a talent.