CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS has said that he never considered moving to the Premier League, with the lure of a permanent transfer to Celtic and Champions League football too strong to resist.

The American defender was linked to a number of English Premier League outfits in early summer, with Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and former club Bournemouth all credited with an interest in the 24-year-old following his departure from parent club Tottenham Hotspur.

But Carter-Vickers says his preference was always to return to Celtic after his successful loan spell in Glasgow last season, and that the chance to test himself in the best competition in club football was a major pull.

“I was linked with a few Premier League clubs but it was never anything concrete because I was always set from the end of last season that I wanted to sign for Celtic,” Carter-Vickers said.

“That is what I wanted to do. It didn’t happen immediately but it was still done quite quickly and I was delighted.

“It was important for me to finally get away from Tottenham. To get the deal done early in the window was good.

“We had a very good season last year, not just me, but the team. I have bonded well with the team and the coaching staff. I enjoy being here. I got on well with the coaches and the players and I think I improved as a player as well.

“For me, the Champions League is probably the toughest competition you can play in at club level.

“To be a part of that and being able to measure yourself up against the best players in the world will be good.

“We’ll be there to try and win every game. I think that’s how the manager will set us up, that’s his way of doing things.”