Juninho, unsettled at Middlesoboro where is hero status among Tees-side fans has not been enough to keep in the club's First XI plans, completed his exit from the English club and travelled immediately to Glasgow to meet up with Martin O'Neill, the media, and hundreds of Celtic fans who had gathered outside Parkhead.

The World Cup winning midfielder will wear the number 7 shirt vacated recently by Henrik Larsson, and worn previously by other famous club legends including Jimmy Johnstone.

Juninho told reporters that he hoped to start in Celtic's home league game with Rangers on Sunday (Aug 29). He insisted that he was match-fit, having been in training at Middelsborough as well as playing a few pre-season games.

The player, hugely popular at Middlesborough, has agreed a two year deal which will finish when he is 33. His agent has hinted that Celtic may be his final club in a glittering career in Brazil, England and Spain.

Juninho said he didn't expect to come near Henrik Larsson's stunning goal tally at Parkhead, saying instead that he hoped to create more goals than take them. the maor attractions for him were Celtic's size, the opportunity of Champions League football, and reputedly a quick rapport developed during discussions with manager O'Neill.

As a non EU-national, the Brazilian must have his UK work permit renewed, even though he is moving from another British-based club. However this is expected to be a formality and the player seemed to indicate this when he stated his desire to turn out for the first team on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Celtic are expected to increase their efforts to bring in possibly two additional signings before the transfer deadline of August 31. At least one is expected to be a left-sided defender. Juninho follows loan signing Henri Camara as the new faces in the Celtic squad, while youngsters Aiden McGeady, Stephen McManus and Ross Wallace have been promoted to the first-team squad.

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