By Mark Heys
December 15 2005

Roy Keane's future was finally decided today as it emerged that Scottish giants Celtic had won the race to bring the former Manchester United captain to Parkhead on an eighteen month contract.

Keane was courted by a number of clubs including Bolton, Everton, Real Madrid and West Bromwich Albion following his shock release from Old Trafford last month but now he has decided that his future lies with boyhood club Celtic.

Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside and manager Sam Allardyce had hoped to keep the ex-Irish international in the North West area but the lure of moving to Parkhead proved too good to resist in the long run.

A statement on Celtic's official website read:

"Celtic are delighted to announce that Roy Keane has signed for the club.

"The self-confessed Celtic fan has fulfilled a long-held dream by joining The Hoops and his contract will see him remain at Celtic Park initially until June 2007.

"Roy Keane will be officially unveiled as a Celtic player at a press conference at Celtic Park today, Thursday, December 15, at 1.30pm."

Bolton will now switch transfer targets ahead of the re-opening of the transfer window next month.