Odemwingie advices Onyekuru on Celtic switch

The 

Nigeria international opined that a move to the Scottish champions will pay both short and long terms dividend for the youngster

Peter Odemwingie has adviced Henry Onyekuru following speculations about his move to Celtic.
Top European sides have shown interest in the 19-year-old winger, but AS Eupen were reported to have stalled their progress with their preference for the Nigerian to move to Russian outfit, CSKA Moscow.

Odemwingie, however, advised the teenager to pitch his tent with Brendan Rodgers’ side given their impressive record of talent grooming, continental outings and also an easy transition to the more glamorous English Premier League.

“Henry phoned me in January and explained the situation,” Odemwingie told Daily Record.

“He said he had a few offers here and there and wasn’t too happy at his Belgian club and wanted to leave.

“He asked me specifically about Celtic and I told him first and foremost they are a big club, they give youngsters a chance and it’s a step closer to the
English Premier League.

“Even for someone like me looking in from the outside I was able to list so many positives about moving to Celtic and he seemed to agree – but he had other options. Once we had our conversation it was out of my hands.

“I told him to do what was right for him and what he felt would make him happiest but certainly I made a strong case for Celtic.

“I know the Scottish Premiership isn’t the biggest league but Celtic are a massive club. They play in Europe every year and a lot of times in the Champions League.

“It’s a step closer to the English Premier League. I don’t mean geographically but in the sense that Celtic are a club that develops young talent and moves them on to better places. I also said it would help to get a UK work permit and that would probably be easier without the issue of having to play 75 per cent of games for your national team to get into the English Premier League, which affected me when I was younger.

“He was undecided when I spoke to him but he seemed keen on Celtic by the time we finished talking, mainly because he could get to the English Premier League quicker than any other route."