Stoke City's Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Lawrence has decided to stay with the Premier League club and fight for his future next season.
The 29-year-old seemed set to head north to join Celtic earlier this summer, but Lawrence now says that that deal is dead in the water after a frustrating last few weeks.
He told the Scottish Sun:"The idea of a move to Celtic was really appealing at the end of last season.
"Clearly, they've had plenty of opportunity to come and get me, but for whatever reason it hasn't happened.
"Stoke have been brilliant with me, stating they were prepared to give me the chance of a move if the conditions were right.
"I really wanted the opportunity to play for Celtic. If they had come in for me I would've been happy to go.
"With things dragging on it has given me time to reconsider everything.
"I have had a brilliant pre-season with Stoke, I've really enjoyed it and now I feel I've got to be fair with them.
"I feel the best thing for me now is to stay and try to play in the Premier League. Now I'm just focusing on the new season with Stoke."
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