Tyler Blackett says Louis van Gaal convinced him to join Celtic

Tyler Blackett said a conversation with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was a deciding factor in his decision to join Celtic on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old became Ronny Deila's sixth signing of the summer when he moved to Glasgow on a temporary deal from Old Trafford.

Blackett, who broke into the United first-team last season under Van Gaal, said he understands that it is tough for younger players to hold down a starting spot at the club.

And he revealed that a conversation with the Dutchman helped to convince him to move to Parkhead to get more senior experience.

"I spoke to him [Van Gaal] yesterday and he said it would be good for me," Blackett said.

"A good experience to get the games that I need, which obviously I couldn't get at United right now, but to come here and play at this level is always going to be good for my development.

"United is obviously a big, worldwide club and with the players they are bringing in, it is always difficult for young players but it makes the challenge more of a step forward.

"It means you have got more to look forward to and you've got to try break in and hopefully this can be a platform for to do that here as well.

"I spoke to the manager and said I want to play first-team football and for me to go out on loan to a good club like Celtic is the right way forward."

Blackett also said that he would love Virgil van Dijk to stay with Celtic and form a new defensive partnership with him at the Scottish Premiership champions.  

Southampton have been credited with a long-term interest in van Dijk, although Ronald Koeman has so far refused to discuss the player.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

"Obviously van Dijk has been a good player for this club," he said. "Right now he is still here and that's always good for the club and I hope he stays here as well so I can play alongside him.

"I'm just hoping to do well and hopefully do what I can to be a good player for this club.

"I'm just focused on my position here and now I'm here I just want to do well personally and see what comes."