The Lions secured the services of Celtic defender Jos Hooiveld on Tuesday, in an initial 6-month loan deal from the Scottish giants.
By Joe Short
The Dutchman, who has found games limited at Celtic since his arrival from Swedish outfit AIK Stockholm last winter, will join up with the FCK squad on Wednesday after signing the loan deal, which stipulates the option of a permanent move in the summer.
FC Copenhagen Sporting Director Carsten V. Jensen expressed his delight at securing the 27-year-old’s services:
- Jos Hooiveld impressed us greatly in his time at AIK Stockholm, where he was one of the leading forces in AIK's championship and cup titles in the 2010 season. We followed Jos closely and were slightly disappointed when he suddenly signed for Celtic FC. After a difficult year with injuries and little playing time in Scotland, we now have the opportunity to see Jos at close quarters for an extended period, and it pleases me. Jos is a natural left-central defender, so is slightly different from our other players at that position, which gives us new opportunities.
Hooiveld himself was on hand to offer his excitement for the coming remainder of the season:
- I’m looking to get back to Scandinavia, where I have had the greatest success in my career. I have won championships in both Sweden and Finland, and am now delighted to come to Scandinavia's greatest team.
- I personally have had a good time in Scotland, but sporting-wise it has been a little frustrating because I've suffered a fairly long injury process, and it is only this season that I have been totally fit. Now I've got a fighting chance to show my qualities in FC Copenhagen and I will do everything to pay back the trust. I am really looking forward to getting started.
Hooiveld’s signing comes just days after FCK announced their first new face of the winter at ‘Number 10’, former OB striker Johan Absalonsen.
