Lawell insistent over Keane

Peter Lawell insists that Roy Keane fitted within the current pay structure at Celtic.

Lawell also stated that major shareholder Dermot Desmond was not paying for any of the deal out of his own pocket.

"There has been a lot written in the last few days, firstly Dermot Desmond has been a fantastic fan of this deal in terms of his support, but he will make no financial contribution to it," Lawell insisted.

"Roy joined for reasons other than money, he will fit within the current wage structure and that tells you about the man and his long established willingness to play for Celtic.

"He has signed for an 18-month period which may well be an initial period, and we are thrilled that he is here.

"A great player has joined a great club and we are absolutely delighted because we wanted him," he revealed.

Lawell also insisted that everyone at the club, from board level to manager Gordon Strachan, was fully behind the move.

"There is total unity across the club," he continued.

"Roy has had many offers and he has turned down more lucrative offers than the one from Celtic Football Club."

Keane's new boss Strachan insisted that he was fully behind the decision - amid rumours that the move was sanctioned without his say-so.

"It has given me good competition, Roy can play many positions and we have added quality and a winning mentality," he said.

"I sat down with Roy for two hours in London and he wouldn't be here today if he hadn't. All the rules and plans were laid in front of him.

"We have told each other the truth and he knows exactly what the plans are and everybody is delighted.

"As a player there is nothing better than having good players around you and that is what I have given this club."