Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett grateful for Celtic loan opportunity

Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett is hopeful his loan move to Celtic gives him the platform to prove to his parent club that he is ready for first team football.

Blackett, 21, was brought into the first team by Louis van Gaal last summer and featured for the club throughout the first half of the season. But having failed to make an appearance yet this season, the club have opted to allow him to leave on a temporary basis for Glasgow.

With Celtic centre half Virgil van Dijk reportedly poised to complete a move to Southampton before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, Blackett could be handed a first team role straight away at Celtic Park.

And while he has spoken to van Gaal about his future at Old Trafford, the defender says his focus is now solely on helping Ronny Delia's side.

"United is my club, but right now I am focused on doing a job for Celtic and doing my best," Blackett said, BBC Sport report. "To play games every week is something I'm trying to do and hopefully I will get that here.

"He [Louis van Gaal] said it would be good for me, good experience and to get the games that I couldn't get at United right now. It will be good for my development. Competitive football at such a good club like Celtic is a plus."

Blackett, who signed a contract extension earlier this year keeping him at the club until at least 2017, also acknowledges the demands at Old Trafford mean it is difficult for young players to be trusted with a consistent first team role, but is hopeful he can rectify that at Celtic Park.

"United is a big worldwide club, it's always difficult for younger players. Hopefully this can be a platform for me here," he said.

"I spoke to the manager and said I wanted to play first-team football so to come to a good club like Celtic is the right step forward.

"I'm just focused on my position here and I just want to do well personally and see what comes."