Soccer star Noel Hunt passed on the opportunity to join Celtic last month, it has been revealed. Instead he will stay at Championship club Reading.

Hunt told the press this week that the Hoops had spoken to his agent during the January transfer window period.

But the former Republic of Ireland internationalist decided to sign a new two-year contract at the Madejski Stadium.

Hunt told the press: "Celtic spoke to my agent about my availability, but I told him that I wanted to stay at Reading. I feel we’re going in the right direction under the manager, Brian McDermott."

"I went on a few walks on my own and spoke to the people I’m closest to in football – my brother Stephen and Andy Griffin - and I know how lucky I am to be here."

Hunt told the press he thought long and hard about the offer but made his decision based on the advice he received and the opportunities ahead of him.