AFTER putting pen to paper at Paradise, goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas has described signing for Celtic as a dream. The 26-year-old stopper now can’t wait to pull on a jersey and do everything he can to help the Hoops win silverware in the season ahead.

Barkas joins Neil Lennon’s squad on a four-year deal from Greek outfit AEK Athens, and told Celtic TV he thrives under pressure – which is one of the reasons he moved to the nine in-a-row Scottish champions.

“I’m very happy to be here, it’s a dream to come to one of the biggest teams in Europe, and I can’t wait to play for Celtic,” said Barkas. “Winning medals and trophies is why I came here. I want to win 10 in-a-row, and I want to help us get into the Champions League. That’s what I want.

“The manager spoke to me about the club, the pressure here and that he wants us to be champions again. That’s one of the reasons I came here, and I think that him and I have a very good relationship so far.”

The Greek internationalist said he’s now looking forward to training with Stevie Woods at Lennoxtown, mixing with his new team-mates and playing competitive football at Celtic Park and beyond.

Barkas has of course experienced Paradise before, when he played between the sticks for AEK in a UEFA Champions League qualifier in 2018.

He added: “When I played here, I remember the atmosphere in the stadium, it was extraordinary. We can’t play with fans at the moment, but I’m looking forward to that soon.

“I feel good with pressure, if a game is played like a friendly, I don’t like that. I don’t like friendly games, I like to play under pressure, I like the derbies, I like the Champions League games – these are what I’m looking forward to.”

Vasilis Barkas: It’s a dream to join one of the biggest sides in Europe