Hyland had a trial at Celtic Park in 2007.
Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Khaleem Hyland in action
Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Khaleem Hyland has admitted to Voetbal Niews that his failed moved to Celtic left him in tears.
Hyland impressed while on trial at Parkhead in 2007, prompting the Bhoys to offer £450,000 for his services.
However, San Juan Jabloteh, the 27-year-old’s club at the time, asked for more money and the deal collapsed, with Portsmouth landing him a year later.
Celtic, meanwhile, signed Dundee United’s Barry Robson the following January, having had already bolstered their midfield with Scott Brown and Massimo Donati prior to Hyland’s trial.
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“When I was eighteen I was able to go on trial with Celtic,” Hyland said, as quoted by Voetbal. “They offered £450,000 but my club in Trinidad and Tobago wanted more. I shed tears over it. I had already the tasted the fantastic atmosphere in the stadium.”
Celtic fans
Work permit issues scuppered Hyland’s chances of ever turning out for Portsmouth, who were a Premier League club at the time, and the player was loaned to Zulte Waragem – the start of a seven-year spell in Belgium.
Genk’s Khaleem Hyland in action against Chelsea
Now of Westerlo, via a stint at Genk, the 53-cap international has reiterated his desire to play in English football.
“As long as I keep playing football that English dream remains alive,” he added. “But now all my focus is on Westerlo.”
Hyland’s current side prop up the Belgian Pro League table, having taken nine points from a possible 39 so far.
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