Victor Wanyama is pleased to have been watched by Newcastle United, saying the interest from England is an indicator his form in the Scottish Premier League isn’t going unnoticed.

The Kenyan midfielder signed for Celtic in the summer from Belgian side Beerschot AC and has impressed for Neil Lennon’s side, making 20 appearances in both midfield and as a makeshift central defender.

Newcastle are said to have watched the 20-year-old as a possible replacement for Cheick Tiote in January and Wanyama is pleased to be on the radar of a “big club”.

“It’s always very encouraging to be linked with big clubs,” Wanyama told Daily Nation in Kenya.

“Newcastle is a big club in England, having won several trophies and had great players like Alan Shearer.

“I think the fact that they are talking about me means my hard work here is being noticed elsewhere.”

A more pressing concern for Wanyama is the forthcoming Old Firm derby, which would mark his first appearance against Rangers if selected.

“It’s the kind of game every player wants to play in,” he said. “It’s like Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards back home.”