Honduran World Cup star Izaguirre Celtic-bound

EMILIO Izaguirre was last night on the verge of agreeing a three-year deal with Celtic and pledged to be a success at Parkhead.

The Honduran left-back arrived in Glasgow at the weekend and is undergoing a medical ahead of a 600,000 move. Motagua ace Izaguirre - a team mate of Rangers trialist Georgie Welcome - admits it is a dream to sign for Celtic.

"I am ready and very happy because I have now fulfilled my dream of playing overseas. I thank God I have been given this chance and I hope and pray I can be a success. I will not waste this opportunity. It will make me a better footballer and a more experienced one," he said. "Celtic are one of the biggest teams in Britain and they are known throughout the world. I know Efrain Juarrez who plays here. I hope to make Hondurans proud of me so that one day, when I want to end my career, I can come back and play for Motagua.

"My agent worked very hard to get me a move to a big European club. Now I'm going to achieve my lifetime ambition of signing for a huge team. I go to Europe to sign for Celtic and I am very excited about it.

Motagua's president Pedro Atala also revealed Celtic had finally got revenge on Mo Johnston, as Celtic beat off offers from other clubs in Europe and also MLS side Toronto FC - who are managed by ex-Old Firm star Johnston.

"There were also offers from English and Belgian clubs, but Celtic's was best for us and the player," said Motagua.

The 44-times capped player is now an established member of the Honduras team and should have no such problems getting the necessary non-EU player work permit. He played in two World Cup games in South Africa against Spain and Chile.