LUCA Connell says it would be “an honour” to play for Celtic – but admits his next career move is not yet set in stone.

The in-demand Wanderers midfielder is contracted as a third-year scholar until next summer and CANNOT be poached for a development fee of £250,000, as widely reported, unless the contract is terminated.

Bolton know their hold on Connell will be tested before the close of the transfer window but have not yet given up hope of keeping him at the club and negotiating a better deal down the line.

Several sides, including Wolves, Norwich, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Burnley, Brighton, Southampton have been linked with him in the past but last week it is understood Celtic made a firm enquiry last week.

A move to Parkhead appears to interest the youngster but he admits regular football is his highest priority after making the first team grade with Wanderers last season.

“Everyone knows Celtic are a massive club," he told The Irish Examiner.

"It’d be an honour to represent them if that’s what the final decision is. I’m keeping my options open and hopefully I can take the right one in the next few weeks.

“I just want to make sure I’m playing, wherever I go.

“I’ve read in the media that lots of big clubs are interested but I think at this age it’s important to be playing. Then hopefully the money will come with that.

“It has been a busy summer. I’ve had quite a few clubs interested but they come and go by the day. Let’s see which ones stick by me.

“I'm sure that my agent will have something sorted out for me one way or the other and with what's best for me.”

Bolton return to pre-season training on Monday where the 18-year-old is unlikely to join a handful of last season’s first team squad at Lostock.

Ireland’s Under-19s play at the European Championships in Armenia next month where they will face Norway, the Czech Republic and France in the group stages.