CELTIC yesterday completed the signing of Derry City's Niall McGinn on a three-year deal.

And the 21-year old Northern Ireland international winger admitted it was a dream move to join his Bhoyhood heroes.

Celtic have been tracking McGinn for months and he will take his place in the squad when the transfer window opens on January 1.

He joined Derry City last year and has enjoyed a meteroic rise that culminated in him being recently voted young player of the year in the eircom League.

After a whistle-stop tour of Celtic Park and Lennoxtown, McGinn admitted he can't wait to report to his new club next month.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be here. It's been a great season for me with Derry, and to have joined Celtic just tops it all off.

"There was another club showing interest but when I knew that Celtic wanted to sign me, my mind was made up.

"I've supported them since I was a boy. It's been a great year for me. To be voted young player of the year, make my international debut and then sign for Celtic is a dream."

A former team-mate of Paddy McCourt at Derry City, McGinn can play on either flank. He said: "I like to get at defenders," he said. "I just want to make a contribution.

"I've had a chat with Paddy and the likes of Neil Lennon. Paddy said it was a dream for him to play for Celtic, and I feel the same way. I'm just going to work hard and hope to take any chances that come my way."

McGinn may be slight of build and only 5ft 8in tall, but his former Derry City team-mates say he has the heart of a Jimmy Johnstone who will have no problem adapting to the SPL roughhouse.

Ruaidhri Higgins said: "Niall is one of those wee lads who, when he gets a kick, just gets up and comes back for more.

"He is a tough boy and I am sure he will handle playing in Scotland. Nothing fazes him.

"If he gets a run in the Celtic team, I am sure the supporters will take to him. Our fans will be disappointed they only got to watch him for one season. Financially, though, it's good for our club.

"Without a doubt he can give Scottish defences a difficult time. We have a lot of good defences but Niall gives most of them the run-around."

"Higgins added: "He's still only 21 and is a player of massive potential.

"A few weeks back he made his Northern Ireland debut against Hungary and you could see he can play at that kind of level."