Former Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy has signed for Celtic on a four year contract.

Republic of Ireland international McCarthy joined as a free agent after allowing his contract to run down at Selhurst Park.

Celtic is the Glasgow-born 30-year old’s boyhood club and will represent a dream move for the player who started out at Hamilton Academical as a 16-year old before moving to Wigan and Everton.

McCarthy, who made 52 appearances for Palace, has been undergoing medical tests over recent days ahead of agreeing his deal today.

He is likely to be joined at Celtic by Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart who is undergoing a medical today ahead of agreeing a three year contract.

Celtic want the experienced Hart to travel for their Europa League tie against FC Jablonec in the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Meanwhile, McCarthy will not travel with Celtic to the Czech Republic but will train on his own until his team-mates team comes back from their European trip.