A FORMER Winsford junior league player has completed the journey from grassroots football to the Champions League after signing a £1.5m deal with Scottish Premier giants Celtic.

Danny Fox, 23, who used to ply his trade with Over Three and lived on the Greenfields estate, completed the move to Glasgow last Friday after impressing for Championship outfit Coventry City.

The 6ft-tall defender began his rise to fame and fortune when he joined Everton’s academy in 2003. He was loaned to Stranraer without making a first-team appearance for the Toffees before being signed by Walsall where he made 99 starts. He played 57 times in the Championship for Coventry before new Celtic manager Tony Mowbray snapped him up for an undisclosed fee thought to be worth £1.5m.

Speaking on the Celtic website, Fox said: “I’m a bit shellshocked, but I’m really grateful to the manager and the coaching staff for bringing me here. It’s a dream come true.

“It's all happened so fast but I'm delighted to be here. I got a phone call on Thursday afternoon to tell me to head for Glasgow and it’s all been a bit surreal.

“This is a massive move for me. I couldn’t sleep on Thursday night because I was so eager to get down and meet the lads in London and I can't wait to make my debut.

“The size of Celtic speaks for itself. You have the history, the fan base, the stadium and there’s the added bonus of European football.

“I want to test myself at the highest level and there is no better place to do it than at Celtic. I’m just looking forward to getting started.”

Winsford United are hoping to build on their promising start to their preseason campaign.

The Blues defeated Whitchurch Alport 4-0 last Tuesday and drew 0-0 with Crewe FC last Thursday. Last night the Blues hosted Llangollen Town at the Barton Stadium.

On Saturday, United travel to Welsh Premier League outfit Connah’s Quay Nomads (3pm) and on Tuesday, Cheshire League side Tarporley Vics visit the Barton Stadium (7.30pm).

Northwich Vics have enjoyed a recent upturn in preseason results after they earned a 1-1 draw with rivals Altrincham, Aaron Burns scoring Vics’ first of the summer.

On Saturday, Vics defeated Curzon Ashton 5-0 at their Tameside Stadium. Simon Grand (2), Jon Newby, Burns and Mark Danks scored the goals.

Vics travelled to Nantwich Town last night and on Friday they host Macclesfield Town at the Victoria Stadium (7.45pm). Entry is £7 adults, £5 concessions and £1 under 16s.