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Denayer- Patrick Vieira told me to join Celtic

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Roy Keane Patrick VieiraJason Denayer has revealed the key role Patrick Vieira played in his move to Celtic.

The Arsenal legend is the head of Manchester City’s academy structure- charged with bringing through the players to supplement the cheque book policy that has proved so successful.

Monday’s £32m signing of Eliaquim Mangala from Porto closed the door on Denayer breaking into the City first team with Veira pointing the 19-year-old towards Celtic Park.

“Patrick said it would be a good choice for me,” the loan bhoy revealed. “He said I would gain a lot and it would help me take another step forward.

“He has been such a big influence on me. He was such a big player and he knows everything about football. Whenever he talks to me and gives me advice, he is right.

“That’s all the time, so I listen to him. I spoke to him about coming to Celtic and he said it would be a great experience for me.

“That’s also what my friends and family said to me. Everyone said it was a great club – that everyone likes Celtic. I know it’s not just a big club in Scotland but also in Europe too. There are lots of people who watch Celtic.

“I saw the Champions League game against Barcelona, of course. The atmosphere looked amazing that night so I know Celtic is a big club. They have a history and great fans.”

Denayer should make his debut at St Johnstone tonight but everyone at the club will be judged in the upcoming Champions League ties against Maribor.

Victory over the Slovenian champions could lead to a Celtic v Manchester City Champions League clash with the young Belgian defender looking forward to that prospect.

“It’s a big club and everyone knows and there is still the chance to play in the Champions League this season,” he added. “Maybe Celtic could get drawn against Manchester City in the group stage – I’d like that.”

Aleksander Tonev will miss tonight’s match at St Johnstone due to injury.

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