Former Tottenham star reveals why he turned down chance to join Celtic

Celtic vs Hearts

Celtic brought in 2 centre-backs during the winter transfer window as manager Brendan Rodgers finally addressed his squad’s lack of quality depth at the back.

Jack Hendry and Marvin Compper will look to provide the Hoops with much-needed defensive strength going forward, but the Scottish giants could have had new Dundee man Steven Caulker within their ranks.

The former Tottenham centre-back signed an 18-month deal with the club following his departure from English Championship side QPR by mutual consent last month.

Caulker, 26, has revealed that an opportunity to reunite with manager Brendan Rodgers, who managed him at Swansea, was on the cards last year.

However, he chose to remain in London in order to completely get rid of his drinking and gambling addictions.

The one-cap England international told Sky Sports after completing his move to the Scottish topflight:”It came close. I decided in the end to stay in London. I was early on in my recovery and I felt my support network was best in London.

“I opted out of Scotland at that moment but I’m pleased to be up here now and it’s good to see Brendan doing really well there again.”

Since becoming a free agent in late December, the Caulker to Celtic links reemerged, but Rodgers chose to pursue other targets.

His Premier League experience would have no doubt come handy for the Hoops, but missing out on him doesn’t seem like a decision the club might regret in the end.