Josh Kerr turned down another contract with Celtic to join Albion.

The versatile 19-year-old defender is linking up with Simon Rusk's under-23s on a two-year deal.

Kerr said: "It happened quite quickly. I'd been offered another contract by Celtic, but when a Premier League club comes along you can't really knock them back. It's good to be here.

"I came down for a tour and it's very impressive. It's a lot bigger than what I've been used to and much bigger than Celtic's. It's definitely a Premier League facility."

Kerr hopes to eventually push for a first team spot at the Amex.

"I want to settle into the under-23s, get used to the place and find my feet, and then hopefully I can start putting pressure on the manager to play me," he said.

"Some of the players will be older and more experienced, but I can learn off them. I want to show them what I've got and hopefully that will stand me in good stead.

 

"I played quite a lot of games (at Celtic). We won the Scottish Youth Cup against Rangers and I probably played about 25 games, so it was a really good season.

"We played in the Champions League (youth), so I was up against European strikers who were quicker around your feet. It's just about getting used to the short, sharp movements.

"I'm more of a European-style defender. I'd rather play the ball about and make passes, rather than just launch it and hope somebody gets on the end of it."