Ian Wright last night shocked Nottingham Forest boss David Platt by joining Celtic on a free transfer. The 35-year-old former England striker had been on loan with Forest from West Ham.

He was due to bring his second month on loan at the City Ground to an end tonight by lining up against Bolton but will instead be in Scotland.

Platt had hoped to sign Wright until the end of the season when the player intends to retire to pursue his television career.

Platt said: "The timing of it could have been better but it's just one of those things. The game against Bolton is important for us and we've got to get on with it without Ian."

News of Wright's departure will come as a hammer blow to Forest fans who had taken the former Arsenal man to their hearts.

Just last week Wright, who scored five goals in 10 Forest appearances, announced that he wanted to finish his career as a member of Platt's squad.