In-demand Celtic-linked 24-year-old says it’s ‘time to move on’, Gavin Strachan rates him highly

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Reported Celtic target Ivan Toney has spoken out over his future amid speculation linking him with not just Neil Lennon’s Hoops but multiple other clubs.

The 24-year-old was superb for Peterborough last season, scoring 26 goals in just 39 appearances in all competitions, despite English League One being cut short in March.

As Posh didn’t succeed in sealing promotion by the time the third tier was curtailed, it’s looking increasingly likely that Toney will up sticks and head elsewhere.

Celtic have been heavily linked with the striker and Peterborough director of football Barry Fry previously admitted that the Bhoys have been in the running (Daily Mail).

While Toney has now confirmed that he’s looking for the next big step in his career, he spoke of aiming for the English Premier League.

“Obviously it would have been sweeter getting promoted but I feel like from a personal view it’s time to move on,” he told Sky Sports.

“For now though I’m still a Peterborough player and I’ve just got to focus on playing football.

“I want to play at the highest possible level, so the Premier League. We’ll see what happens and see who comes along.

“You’ve got to be confident otherwise there’s no point setting out to try and play at the top level.

“I feel like my ability will get me there, whether it’s now, next season or whenever it is, I’m sure I’ll be able to look after myself in the Premier League and do a good job.”

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While Celtic have bolstered their attacking ranks with Albian Ajeti’s arrival, continued reported interest in Odsonne Edouard means the Hoops will always have to keep an eye out on potential replacements.

Toney has shown he’s a cut above in the English third tier and could certainly do a job for the Scottish champions, not to mention he is highly rated by new Celtic coach Gavin Strachan.

The former Peterborough coach previously told the Glasgow Times: “I enjoyed working with Ivan and he’s a striker who has attracted lots of attention and rightly so.”

Obviously a new striker is no longer a big priority for Celtic and, with Fry having had eight clubs get in touch with him over Toney, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the prolific forward.