TOM Boyd believes Cameron Carter-Vickers chose to sign a permanent deal with Celtic instead of move to a Premier League club in England so he could sample Champions League nights at Parkhead next season.
Ange Postecoglou secured his first major acquisition of the summer last Friday when Carter-Vickers put pen to paper on a four year deal with the newly-crowned Scottish champions.
The United States internationalist, who is hoping to feature for his country in the World Cup finals in Qatar in November, was outstanding during a loan spell in Scotland last term.
The 24-year-old featured in 45 games in all competitions, helped Celtic to complete a Premier Sports Cup and cinch Premiership double and became a firm fans’ favourite.
Carter-Vickers’ success in this country generated interest in the Spurs centre half from clubs down south – but he opted to commit his long-term future to Celtic.
Former Parkhead captain Boyd feels the chance to play in Europe’s premier club competition in the 2022/23 campaign persuaded the defender to return to his old club.
“Everyone could see is the impact that Carter-Vickers made last season,” he said. “Sometimes we miss out on players like that because they have been playing so well.
“It is great credit to everyone at the club, the board and whoever who sanctioned the move. We’d seen there was a player there and the impact he had on loan which worked as it allowed us to see him as a player. He just got stronger and stronger and by the end was competing for the Player of the Year.
“You don’t want to lose someone like that and we’re extremely happy everyone in the board and the management managed to get it done to continue the squad depth we have got at the moment.”
Speaking as he presented a cheque for £7,000 from the Celtic Foundation to the Taxi Outing to Troon, Boyd added: “I’ve no doubt his experience within the club, whether it is being playing in front of the fans or being told about the atmosphere, swayed him.
“He’s heard it from the best players in the world saying what a magnificent atmosphere the Champions League nights have, but he sees it every week as well.
“Whether it be home or away, he sees that and, like anyone, you would want more of it. Thankfully, Cameron will be with us for a few years and can experience some more great nights.”
