Celtic fan base key to Adam Matthews move

The 19-year-old was unveiled by Celtic yesterday after signing a pre-contract in February, when his former club Cardiff had real aspirations of making the top flight.

The right-back was also linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United, however he could not turn down the chance to sign for Neil Lennon at Celtic Park.

"I just think it's the size of the club and the supporters," said Matthews, who made his full international debut in the 3-1 defeat to Scotland in the Carling Nations Cup last week.

"They have a massive fan base all over the world. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world so that was the main factor.

"They are the second most supported team in the world so it was a no-brainer.

"Any player would love to play for them. I don't think anyone could turn down the chance to play for them."

Matthews' decision was also influenced by the advice of Cardiff team-mate Craig Bellamy, who spent several months on loan at Celtic Park in 2005, and international colleague Joe Ledley, who made the same move last year.

The teenager, whose City contract ran out, said: "I spoke to him (Ledley] before I signed and he said, 'The club is massive, you won't know what's hit you until you're up here'. He is enjoying it up here.

"Craig Bellamy said the supporters were great, they treat you well if you treat them well.

"I came up to watch the Celtic-Rangers (League Cup] final at Hampden, the atmosphere was amazing. I just cannot wait to get involved and play in the game.

"The only real derby we have is Swansea. That's a massive derby but I think this one tops it.

"I don't think I have been to a game where the atmosphere was so good. I couldn't hear myself speak."

The defender's former manager at Cardiff, Dave Jones, had criticised Ledley for moving to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League despite receiving offers to play in the English top flight from the likes of Stoke.

But Matthews insists he had no hesitation in moving to the SPL.

"It's the same as any league, you have the best teams and the worst teams, but I think that every game is competitive," he continued.

"Every team wants to play better against Celtic because they are the biggest team and they want to win against them."