Celtic secure Oxlade-Chamberlain on temporary contract

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expressed his enthusiasm for a new opportunity after joining Celtic, the leading Scottish club, on a deal running until the season concludes, finalised on Saturday.

This ex-Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder has remained unattached since his departure from Turkish outfit Besiktas back in August.

Aged 32, Oxlade-Chamberlain aims to support Celtic's push to close the gap on Hearts leading the Scottish Premiership, with the team holding the right to prolong the agreement by an additional year.

"It's exactly what I need. I need another challenge and lucky enough at a massive club like this," said Oxlade-Chamberlain, who earned 35 international appearances for England.

"They can help me get back to where I need to get to and, more importantly, I need to help the team achieve the goals we want to do."

Celtic has claimed 13 of the previous 14 Scottish Premiership crowns, although they currently sit six points adrift of Hearts atop the league.

The Glasgow powerhouse is also set to confront Stuttgart in the Europa League play-off stage and entertain Dundee in the Scottish Cup fifth round later that same Saturday.

"He retains considerable value for the sport and I feel certain he will introduce a fresh element to our group via his impressive talent and broad expertise in football," commented Celtic's stand-in manager Martin O'Neill.

"Primarily, he demonstrates zeal and anticipation regarding this switch, so we are embracing a talented individual eager to aid our pursuit of all possible successes."