Scottish transfer deadline day LIVE: All the latest Celtic and Rangers news and rumours

Celtic have finally announced the season-loan loan signing of defensive midfielder Oliver Abildgaard, subject to international clearance.

The 26-year-old Danish international becomes Ange Postecoglou’s NINTH summer arrival and concludes a busy transfer window for the Parkhead club.

Abildgaard began his career with Aalborg in the Superliga in 2015 before sealing a move to Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan, initially on loan, before the club activated the purchase clause.

Abildgaard, who is contracted until the summer of 2024, will link up with former teammates Carl Starfelt and Sead Haksabanovic in Glasgow.

He won his first cap for Denmark during a friendly against Sweden in November 2020 and will strengthen Celtic’s midfield options alongside the likes of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Aaron Mooy, Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull.

Oliver Abildgaard admits he had positive discussions with Celtic defender Carl Starfelt about joining the Scottish champions.

The 26-year-old Danish midfielder has paid close attention to Scottish football ever since his former Rubin Kazan team-mate moved to Glasgow last summer.

Abildgaard, who will wear the number 28 jersey, spoke in depth to Starfelt about his time at the club so far, admitting the Swede sold him on a move to Parkhead.

Speaking exclusively to Celtic TV, he said: “This is a day I’ve been very much looking forward to ever since I heard the possibility of coming here.

“I’ve been following the highlights recently, ever since I heard about the interest, and I’ve also been keeping my eye on Carl Starfelt as well ever since he moved here a year ago.

“He’s been amazed by the club ever since he came here, and the life in Glasgow as well. He’s enjoying it very much and he’s only told me good things about it.

“My main strengths are as a holding midfielder, and I’ll do whatever the manager and the coaching staff will require from me.

“Due to my physique, I’m very strong, I will win my duels, and I’m able to be the link between our defence and our attacking players.”

Celtic are preparing for a hugely important run of games, starting against Old Firm rivals Rangers on Saturday before kick-starting their Champions League group stage campaign against holders Real Madrid next Tuesday.

Abildgaard is relishing his first experience of playing in front of the Hoops fans both domestically and in Europe over the coming months.

He added: “At all times it would be perfect to come here but, of course, with these big games coming up, I’m really looking forward to feeling the atmosphere, not only in the stadium but also in the city,” he said.

“I’ve only heard very good things about the fans and the culture of the club. It goes without saying how big the fanbase and I’m just looking forward to being part of it.”

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has signed a 12-month contract extension and will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal.

GlasgowWorld told you earlier today the Scotland youth internationalist had flown out of Glasgow airport to finalise a temporary switch to the Primeira Liga outfit.

The 23-year-old, who joined the club in 2008 and has risen up through the Hoops academy, departs in search of regular game time.

However, Ange Postecoglou still believes the player has a future at Parkhead and has awarded Johnston with a new one-year deal.

The summer transfer window is officially closed. Celtic and Rangers have now finalised their squads until January.

Here is a quick summary of both side’s transfer activity:

CELTIC

Incomings: Daizen Maeda, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Benjamin Siegrist, Alexandro Bernabei, Jota, Aaron Mooy, Mortiz Jenz, Sead Haksabnovic, Oliver Abildgaard

Outgoings: Christopher Jullien, Boli Bolingoli, Ross Doohan, Karamoko Dembele, Kerr McInroy, Ewan Henderson, Nir Bitton, Tom Rogic, Luca Connell, Jonathan Afolabi, Albian Ajeti (loan), Liam Shaw (loan), Ismalia Soro (loan), Mikey Johnston (loan), Osaze Urhoghide (loan), Johnny Kenny (loan), Adam Montgomery (loan), Liam Scales (loan), Vasilis Barkas (loan)

RANGERS

Incomings: John Souttar, Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo, Malik Tillman, Ben Davies, Ridvan Yilmaz

Outgoings: Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo, Glenn Middleton, Jack Simpson, Cedric Itten, Nikola Katic, Stephen Kelly, Andy Firth, Jake Hastie, Leon Balogun, Lewis Mayo (loan), Ben Williamson (loan), Josh McPake (loan), Kai Kennedy (loan), Juan Alegria (loan)

That’s all for tonight folks...