Celtic take striker Nicolas Mezquida on trial

Nicolas Mezquida is currently training with Celtic. Picture: SNS

CELTIC have taken Uruguayan forward Nicolas Mezquida on trial as Neil Lennon bids to strengthen his striking options.

The 21-year-old is free to talk to other clubs after being released by Uruguayan side Centro Atlético Fénix, based in Montevideo. Mezquida began his career with Peñarol, and agreed a pre-contract with German cracks Schalke in 2008, only to change his mind and stay in the South American country.

He had brief loan spells in Norway, with Brann and Lillestrøm in 2011, but struggled to get game time in Scandinavia, and joined Atlético Fenix the following year, making 14 appearances and finding the net once.

The diminutive striker spent part of last season with Rampla Juniors, scoring once in six games.

He has been capped at under-15 - scoring 10 goals in 12 appearances - and under-17 level for the Uruguayan national side.

Lennon has brought in two strikers since losing Gary Hooper to Norwich earlier this year, signing Teemu Pukki and Amido Balde from Schalke and Vitória Guimarães respectively.

Mohamed Bangura and Tony Watt are still on loan at Elfsborg and Lierse SK, with teenage striker Bahrudin Atajić on the fringes of the first team squad.