Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: The former England midfielder is ready for a short-term move to Celtic, says Martin O’Neill

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is aiming to “get as fit as possible as quickly as possible” as he prepares to join Celtic, according to manager Martin O’Neill.

The 32-year-old former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder has agreed to join the Scottish champions for the remainder of the season, with O’Neill saying he will undergo a medical on Saturday.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has become a free player since his departure from Turkish club Besiktas last August.

His last appearance was an 11-minute cameo against Adana Demirspor on 11 May before suffering a knee injury.

“I talked to him this morning,” O’Neill said. “I think he wants to come and I think he will come.

“I assumed he was given a number of options.

“I think there was talk that Arsenal, where he is training, might bring him in because they might have some injuries, so I’m happy he’s coming,” he says.

“So I think he will have the medical tomorrow and everything is fine, and I hope he will sign.

“This boy is here to try to play and try to get into the team and try to get as fit as possible as quickly as possible.

“I think it will be good to have him here with the team for at least two months.”