Neil McCann quizzed on 'supporting' Celtic as Rangers hero reveals how close he came to Parkhead transfer

Former Rangers star Neil McCann has been quizzed on how close he came to signing for Celtic - and denies ever supporting the Hoops.

The fleet-footed left winger came through as a talented young winger at Dundee before signing for Hearts and eventually ending up at Ibrox. But before that move to Tynecastle there was strong rumours of interest from the east side of Glasgow and it was believed he was a Celts fan so could well end up there.

Nothing transpired and his career turned out very differently - going on to become a success on the other side of the city. McCann admits he was aware of interest from Parkhead but insists it was ever a straight choice between the two halves of the Old Firm he would always have gone blue.

Asked by a caller on Go Radio how close a move to Celtic came, he explained: "There was talk of it at the time I believe when I was a youngster at Dundee. I was actually playing golf with Packie Bonner today and he actually brought it up about me almost going to Celtic.

"At that time there was rumours I was being targeted, it was Tommy Burns that was manager. But they went and signed Phil O'Donnell, they had Brian McLaughlin and Stuart Gray playing on the left wing at that point in time so it never happened.

"And actually when I was at Hearts and I had the choice when someone came in and put a bid in, the same question was raised. I said then, and I don't change my mind now, that I wanted to go to Rangers. If I had a straight choice I would have gone to Rangers.

"I did choose to go to Rangers at that time and I would like to think it was a brilliant decision because I spent some wonderful years of my career there, winning lots of trophies and playing with some exceptional players that actually probably made me look better."

And as for those rumoured Hoops allegiances as a boy? No chance, McCann insists.

He added: "I'm never going to admit to being a Celtic fan, you should never believe what you read in the papers. My brother was a big Celtic fan but if you want to go and seek him out in Port Glasgow he will tell you that I did follow Liverpool as a wee boy."