Celtic sign Israeli defender Rami Gershon

Celtic have made Iraeli internationalist Rami Gershon their first signing of 2013.

The 24 year old central defender, from Belgian side Standard Liege, has signed a loan deal till the end of the season however Celtic have the option to sign the player permanently after the loan period.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell finally confirmed the news at a press conference yesterday, at which Celtic unveiled Cider brand ‘Magners’ as their new Sponsors.

Gershon has made only one appearance for Standard Leige this season after recovering from a long-term injury.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has the option to add Rami to his Champions League squad for the round of 16. Clubs are allowed to make three changes to their Champions League squads at this stage in the competition.

On his arrival at Glasgow Airport, Gershon told STV: ‘I am very happy to be here. I am very excited to have the opportunity to play for Celtic."

Gershon also stated he hadn’t had a chance to speak to Celtic midfielder and fellow Israeli Beram Kayal about the move before hand.

He said: ‘I haven’t spoken to him yet. He is a good friend of mine but everything was very quick so I didn’t find the time to speak to him.

‘But in the past he has told me only good things about Celtic.’

Gershon could act as a replacement for Efe Ambrose who will be absent from club duty during January as he represents Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations. Should Nigeria progress to the final, Ambrose would not return to Scotland until after the 5th of February.

Gershon is a left footed central defender who can also play left back. Gershon began his professional career at Hapoel Rishon LeZion where he made 36 appearances. In 2009 he went on loan to Standard Liege before eventually signing for the Belgian club permanently in 2010.

Having played just 9 games for Standard Liege as a result of a long term injury, Gershon was loaned out to KV Kortrijk where he played 43 times scoring once. The 24 year old also has 10 caps for the Israeli national team.