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Celtic round-up: Iwobi admission, Strachan downplays Rangers, Forrest forever?

Iwobi admission

Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has revealed he actually came close to signing for Celtic as a teenager.

The Nigeria international was free to leave the club in 2012 when he was 16 .

Iwobi had a number of offers on the table with the ‘main’ one being from Celtic.

(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)

He said: “Celtic was the main one but I wasn’t ready to go to Scotland. I thought it was best to stay at Arsenal but I have to say it felt weird.”

In the end Iwobi stuck it out and has now proved himself to be a trusted member of Arsenal’s first-team squad, and under Unai Emery he has really improved this season.

Strachan downplays Rangers

Ex-Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has moved to downplay Rangers’ title hopes.

The 61-year-old, who managed the Bhoys from 2005 to 2009, reckons the Ibrox club are still far behind Celtic in terms of challenging for the Scottish Premiership.

(Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Speaking to Paddy Power News : “Celtic are still by far the best squad, who’ve been together a long time and know what’s needed.

“Celtic are at least two years ahead of Rangers just now. But I’m sure Steven and Gary will bring them closer and closer – as long as it’s not too close, that’s alright with me.”

Forrest forever?

James Forrest has pleased Celtic fans by talking up becoming a ‘one club man’.

The winger has been in brilliant form this term, scoring 11 goals and making two assists.

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

When asked by Ladbrokes if the title appealed to him, : “Definitely. I’ve been here since I was nine. I know how hard it is to come through the youth [acedemy] and stay in the team as well. It’s a massive club, you’re always going for trophies every year and playing in Europe.”

That’s a big boost for Celtic supporters, who won’t want to lose such a talent.