New Celtic signing Hatem Abd Elhamed has revealed conversations with Nir Bitton and Beram Kayal convinced him to join the Hoops.

Elhamed, 28, signed for the Parkhead club earlier this week on a four-year deal.

The Israeli defender was paraded in front of the Celtic faithful at half-time during yesterday evening's 5-0 drubbing of Nomme Kalju in the Champions League qualifier.

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But speaking to the media this afternoon Elhamed explained that current Celtic star Bitton sold him on the move.

He said: "I spoke with Nir and Beram Kayal and they said very good words about the people here and the club. 

"They said it’s like a family and I can do a very good job with my qualities. 

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"I can’t wait for my first training session and game with my teammates."

Kayal starred for Neil Lennon's men between 2010 and 2015 while Bitton continues to do a job for the Hoops.

The latter even starred in central defence last night as the Bhoys hope to get into the third-round of the Champions League qualifiers where they'll play either Cluj or Maccabi Tel-Aviv.