Celtic to continue recruitment drive after Hinkel signs for Srachan

Hinkel, 25, was last night announced as a Celtic player after the Scottish champions landed their man from Sevilla.

The German's difficult spell in Spanish football ended as Celtic swooped for the 17-cap full international.

Hinkel's prospects of appearing at right-back for Sevilla were hindered by the presence of Brazilian Daniel Alves, arguably the world's best in the position.

However Hinkel is set to become Celtic's first choice, ahead of Mark Wilson, after snubbing German giants Borussia Dortmund to move to Parkhead.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell confirmed the club's board will offer their full support to Strachan as he looks to bring in more new faces, with 24-year-old Corinthians defender Coelho possibly the next in line to sign for another seven-figure fee.

Lawwell said: "We are delighted once again to have invested in the first team through this signing and can assure fans that the Celtic board will continue to do all we can to support Gordon's plans for the development of the Celtic squad."

Strachan has so far been cagey about his transfer window plans, although he has been linked with several players, including Dundee United captain Barry Robson.

Good news for Strachan is that Shunsuke Nakamura is set to return from two-and-a-half months on the sidelines in next week's Scottish Cup tie against Stirling Albion.

However the Hoops boss may still look to add another face to his midfield as Celtic compete on three fronts over the remaining months of the season, in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Champions League and Scottish Cup.

The move for Hinkel ensures Celtic will now be stronger on the right side of defence, but Strachan may not want to stop there.

Celtic are believed to have paid just under £2million for the former Stuttgart player.

Last night Strachan said: "We are delighted to complete this signing.

"Andreas is someone who we have been looking at for some time and we are pleased to have finally got him to Celtic.

"We are sure he has all the qualities to be a great success at the club."

Strachan has been considering January targets since the last transfer window closed at the end of August, and by securing Hinkel on a three-and-a-half-year contract he has succeeded with one priority move.

Hinkel is looking forward to pulling on a Celtic shirt for the first time.

"It is a great honour to join the club and I hope to play an important part in the club's future over the next few years," said the German.

"Having already played against Celtic in European competition, I am well aware of the magnificent stadium and wonderful passionate support which the club enjoys.

"I will be doing my very best to work as hard as I can to try and bring as much success as possible to the Celtic fans."

Celtic are without a game this weekend, after tomorrow's scheduled Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Motherwell was postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Phil O'Donnell, who had represented both teams.