Former Celtic defender Stephen O’Donnell has signed for Luton Town from Partick Thistle.
O’Donnell was a key player in Celtic’s outstanding 2010/11 double winning youth side, playing at right-back in the regular back four alongside Matty Hughes, Lewis Toshney and Kieran Brennan.
Jackie McNamara signed O’Donnell for Thistle early the following season and was keen to take the defender to Tannadice. Hearts and two leading Championship sides also expressed an interest in signing the 22-year-old but it was John Still that persuaded SODS to head south.
Speaking to the Luton website Still said: “One of our scouts alerted me about Stephen – we had a look and were very impressed. He’s a very positive and enthusiastic player and very keen to do well for himself.
“During our conversations Stephen wanted to know exactly how we saw him as a player, how we played, and wanted to know precisely the club’s future plans, on and off the pitch.
“He’d certainly done his homework on us. He was a highly sought-after player and we’re thrilled he’s joined us.”
O’Donnell made 139 appearances for Thistle and developed an eye for spectacular goals towards the end of his career at Firhill.
With Adam Matthews and Mark Wilson in place and Mikael Lustig lined up opportunities were limited at Celtic but despite the disappointment of being released he still watched his old club regularly.
Luton returned to the Football League last season and finished in ninth place- three points short of a play-off place.
Having played in The Championship a decade ago before going into administration Luton will be one of the favourites for promotion this season opening the door up for O’Donnell to progress his career even further.
Another former Celt, Scott Cuthbert has also signed for Luton. Cuthbert played in central defence alongside Darren O’Dea in Celtic’s 2005/06 double winning youth side. Luton start their season away to Accrington Stanley on August 8.