Robbie Keane has been unveiled as a Celtic player at a press conference at Parkhead. A huge crowd gathered outside the stadium to welcome the Tottenham Hotspur striker as he arrived to put pen to paper on a loan deal that extends until the end of the season.

Keane flew into Prestwick Airport by private jet before being driven to Celtic Park, where thousands of supporters had assembled to catch a glimpse of the club’s new signing. The striker addressed the fans at midnight before heading into the stadium to speak to the media.

"It's absolutely unbelievable," Keane said. "This is the reason why I've always wanted to come to Celtic.

"It's no secret over the years I've been a Celtic fan.I'm hoping to bring a lot of success in the short time I'm here."

The player was still coming to terms with the crowd’s reaction to his appearance when he met the press minutes later.

"It's overwhelming, an incredible reception,” he said.

“You never think as a player that you're going to get that kind of reception.

"I played against Celtic a few times and I've always got a great reception but that was unbelievable out there."

Keane was forthright when asked why he had decided to accept the offer to move to the SPL. Sunderland had made a bid to land the striker last week without success but the striker said this deal was his best option.

"[I came here] to play football, first and foremost,” he said."I'm no different to anyone else.

"I always wanted to play for Celtic and it works out well for both parties."

"[Celtic chief executive] Peter Lawwell said today it's no secret they've been trying to get me for a few years. There wasn't much persuading, to be honest with you."

The transfer came as a surprise to many and was wrapped up quickly after Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp confirmed that the London club had agreed to the move. No details have been released of any loan fee, or of how much Celtic will be contributing to the Republic of Ireland captain’s reported £65,000 a week wages.

Redknapp explained that reduced first team opportunities at White Hart Lane meant that Tottenham had to let the player move.

"Robbie needs to play. He's too good a player not to be starting,” he admitted.

“But it's difficult for me to guarantee him a start. He loves his football, he's a great trainer, great around the club. He needs to play regular football.”

Keane has been given squad number seven at Celtic Park which was famously worn by Henrik Larsson in his time at the club. The new signing could make his debut in the SPL match against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Tuesday.

Keane went on to meet the 5,000 strong crowd outside Celtic Park who had gathered in anticipation at his signing, telling them it was "unbelievable" to be at Celtic.