Gray hoping for Celtic stay

The former Black Cats skipper, who is on loan at Park Head until January, has made just two appearances from the subs bench for Martin O'Neills side since moving north-of-the-border last month.

"I'm loving it here. The lads are as good as gold," Gray told Celtic View.

"At the moment I'm only here for four months but if something more permanent can be fixed up then I would be delighted.

"First, I would like to try to force my way into the team, difficult as that's going to be. I've said all along I'm not just up here to make up the numbers," he added.

"Since I got into the Sunderland side at 17 I've always been a first-team player and there is no way I intend changing that now."