DAVID Marshall has revealed there was no prospect of him returning to Celtic this summer despite the Parkhead club being linked with their former player.

Marshall left Wigan Athletic at the end of last season after they were relegated to League One and joined Championship outfit Derby County.

The Scottish champions were reported to be keen to take the goalkeeper back to Glasgow before they signed Greek international Vasilis Barkas.

But Marshall is pleased to be at Derby – where he is working under Republic of Ireland great Shay Given.

“It was never close,” he said. “I signed a couple of years at Derby and I am really delighted. I just wanted to get to as high a level as I could.

“Derby are struggling at the minute, but I am confident that will turn around. Derby have always been a play-off team and trying to get promoted so that is what I am looking to do.

“I signed a two-year contract so I am hoping we can eventually get promoted. It is difficult saying that when you are sitting bottom of the league, but as I say, I am sure it will turn round relatively quickly.”

Given was involved in three play-offs with Ireland during his international career and he helped his country beat Iran to reach the 2002 World Cup and Estonia to make it to Euro 2012.

Scotland keeper Marshall revealed he has spoken to the 134-times capped player about the Euro 2020 play-off final match against Serbia on Thursday.

“Shay’s my goalie coach at Derby,” he said. “He’s been great and I’ve really settled in well at Derby. I enjoy working with Shay and I’m sure he’ll be on the phone before Thursday to wish me well.

“Shay mentions the Henry handball (striker Thierry infamously handled the ball when France won a play-off before the 2010 World Cup) more than anything else. But I spoke to him briefly after Saturday about coming away. His experience is there and he’s got a lot of caps.”