CELTIC were in the market for a striker back in January. At the time, Leigh Griffiths really hadn’t got going and before the window opened at one point we had no fit strikers because Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Vakoun Bayo were all injured.

We started Lewis Morgan as a lone striker in a Glasgow Derby cup final!

So when January came, it was Neil Lennon’s opportunity to bolster his attack.

One man’s name who war repeatedly linked with Celtic during that time was Andraz Sporar. The frontman was at Bratislava and catching the eye of many – Celtic being one of the clubs.

But it would be another green and white outfit who would steal a march on 26-year-old. Sporting Lisbon were swift and decisive with their transfer dealings.

Sporar admitting it was a chat from Sporting’s Director Hugo Viana which locked him into a move with the Portuguese side.

The striker explained the situation to Celtic when their interest appeared serious.

“I gave Hugo Viana my word I would sign for Sporting.” Sporar told RecordSport.

“I had other offers – most noticeably from Celtic. I kept in touch with Celtic all the way through January and my agent also spoke to other clubs too.

“Regarding Celtic, I talked to them and explained I had promised Sporting I would sign for them and they ended their interest.

“I wanted to sign from Sporting from the start and I was delighted when they closed the transfer.

“Of course I already knew Sporting were a big club, but it’s not until you get here that you really feel it. We have a new manager now and the fans here are excellent.

“Even though it hasn’t been a great season for the club, I have no regrets at all about signing for them.”

Celtic moved on and brought Patryk Klimala into the fold. The Polish striker has had to bide his time to get some game time. His only start against Clyde in the Scottish Cup.

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