Celtic sign Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan

Celtic have signed Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan until the end of the season.

Simpson-Pusey was in the stands as the champions defeated St Mirren 1-0 at home on Sunday in their Scottish Premiership opener.

The highly-rated 19-year-old came through the ranks at City and has enjoyed success at youth level, but is now seen as being ready for regular first-team football.

He’s played for City in both the EFL Cup and the Champions League but the majority of his development has come in Premier League 2, where he was named as player of the season.

Simpson-Pusey is now set to compete for honours in Scotland and to help Celtic achieve their European ambitions.

The defender told the club’s website: “It’s great to be here. It’s such a big club and I’m happy to come here, play in front of the fans and play for the team.

“This is a big opportunity. I want to come here and show my talent and my levels.

“It’ll be good for me to come and hopefully help the team to win the league again and do well in Europe.”

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers added: “I am really pleased we have been able to bring Jahmai to Celtic, and I believe he will be an important, quality addition to our squad.

“Jahmai is a quick, dominant centre half. He is a strong defender but can also move the ball forward very well as we progress through the pitch.

“I know Jahmai is excited about this move and bringing him to the club creates even more competition which will only benefit us.

“I am sure he will settle in well with the squad as we get ready for the matches we have coming up at home and abroad.”