As soon as Ben Wylie put pen to paper on his new deal that extends his stay at Celtic until the summer of 2024, there was only one thing on his mind.

The midfielder had been working on the deal for a number of months but had kept the negotiations quiet from his mum and dad back in Ireland.

So, when it was all done and dusted, he made the phone-call to surprise them with the big news.

Speaking to the official Celtic website, he said: “It was obviously such a proud moment to get the deal signed. This is my third contract with the club so it’s another big one.

“For my family, it was such a great feeling as well. I kept the deal quiet from them, so when I broke the news to them yesterday, my mum was over the moon and my dad was as proud as I’ve ever heard him.

'Hopefully now I can repay them both and play at Celtic Park and make some memories for them.'

Having joined Celtic at the age of 16, the 19-year-old from Ballymena has progressed through the ranks and is now a key man in Tommy McIntyre’s B team.

Now having signed the new contract, the aim is to make the step up to Ange Postecoglou’s first team squad at the earliest possible opportunity.

He added: “I was up with the first team for training at the start of the season, but as the campaign has got busier, then it’s become more separated.

“It was amazing to be up there, but it's a massive difference, just the speed of play and intensity is so fast.

“Celtic produce youth players, so that was part of my decision when I joined the club at 16.

“Now I just want to try and get myself on the bench by the end of the season, get myself noticed and impress the manager. Then hopefully by pre-season I can train with the team again and give it a good go.”

Ben Wylie has eyes on the first team after signing a new contract extension