Last summer, former Hearts left-back Aaron Hickey was heavily linked with a move to Parkhead. However, the 18-year old made the choice to make a move to the Italian Serie A with Bologna.

In an interview with the Herald, Hickey has spoken out about those links to the club for the first time, admitting his delight at being linked with a move with the club he supports. However, he insisted it just wasn’t the right time whilst refusing to rule out a possible move to the Hoops in the future.

“Celtic came in a lot and I was excited and happy about it.

“I don’t know if it was the right option for me, though, because of the deal or something.

“I’m a Celtic supporter and it was massive for me, but I just didn’t think it was the right time to go there.

“I wouldn’t ever rule it out down the line, who knows.”

With some of the clubs linked with a move for the young full-back in the summer, it is clear to see how big a talent Hickey is.

This season, he has featured 12 times for Bologna in the Serie A and the Coppa Italia showing first-team capabilities in a league filled with quality at such a young age.

Left-back is a problem area for the club at the minute. Although it is unlikely a move will be made for Hickey this summer and probably rightly so, it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see the club go back in for the former Hearts academy graduate at some point down the line.