‘No-brainer’ – Andrew Gutman has no regrets about snubbing Rangers to join Celtic

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American defender Andrew Gutman was placed in a unique situation back in January as both sides of the Old Firm courted him.

Rangers were keen to sign Gutman after a successful trial but he instead opted to move to bitter rivals Celtic.

He has since been loaned out to USL Championship outfit Charlotte Independence but he has opened up about his decision.

In an interview with American media outlet American Soccer Now, Gutman has described the decision to join Celtic as a “no-brainer”.

The 22-year-old said: “I went on trial also with Rangers and both clubs were interested in me. Celtic is just a fantastic club and it has such a history in the biggest stages – the Champions League.

“I just decided in terms of my development and where I want to be with my goals that Celtic was the best path for me. So it was kind of a no-brainer.”

This will be a kick in the teeth for Rangers and a major boost for Celtic as it shows they still have significant pulling power for foreign players.

And in the long-term, Gutman could provide the Bhoys with back-up to Kieran Tierney or potentially even replace him if he departs.