Scottish champions Celtic have won the race to sign former Rangers and Hearts defender Steven Pressley.

The defender, who was also wanted by Premiership strugglers Charlton signed a 17-month deal with the Bhoys on Friday.

"He has signed a deal until May 2008, subject to full registration being completed through the Scottish FA and Scottish Premier League. This should be done on January 1st," Celtic said on their Web site (celticfc.net).

Pressley played alongside Celtic manager Gordon Strachan in the 1990s.

His agent Blair Morgan told BBC Sport on Friday: "It was a really, really difficult decision. He had two fantastic offers from two good clubs but the lure of European football next season won the day."

Celtic are 15 points clear in the Scottish Premier League. In England, Charlton are just two above bottom club Watford who have played a game fewer.

Pressley (33), left Hearts earlier this month after being dropped for speaking out over the turmoil at Tynecastle saying there was "significant unrest in the dressing room."

He also criticised the running of the club and Lithuanian owner Vladimir Romanov wound up his contract.