Shim Mheuka sends confident Celtic message as highly-rated Chelsea prospect arrives

Shim Mheuka has spoken for the first time since completing his loan move from Chelsea.

The Hoops confirmed the arrival of the highly-rated 18-year-old on Wednesday as part of a busy period of transfer activity ahead of today’s deadline.

Mheuka arrives with first-team experience already under his belt at Chelsea, featuring in both the Premier League and Europe and becoming the youngest player ever to start a competitive match for the Stamford Bridge club.

He now adds another option to Martin O’Neill’s attacking ranks at a time when Celtic are dealing with several injury problems in the forward areas.

Speaking to CelticPlayer after completing his move, Mheuka said: “It’s amazing.

“Walking in, I could feel the echo and the surround sound of the stadium. You almost feel the history as you walk in.

“It’s a really surreal feeling, I wish everyone could feel it.

“It’s something that I’ve been doing since I was a little kid. To be able to do it in front of the Celts, the fans, and show my ability in front of them is something that I can’t wait to do.

“It’s almost a feeling of excitement rather than nerves. I can’t wait to get going, I love playing football.

“I’m here to learn; to learn the game further. I’ve got a lot of experienced players in the team, like Oxlade-Chamberlain, that can really help me to learn the game even further.

“I want to score goals in front of the fans, that’s what I feel like I’ve been brought here to do, so it’s all about learning and showing my ability to everyone watching.

“Football is nothing without pressure, and the best of the best, like Celtic players, they thrive under that pressure.

“There’s nothing being second-best when you’re at a club like Celtic, so it’s something that I’m really going to relish and enjoy.”