Hutchinson (right) said he was looking forward to joining Celtic

The 20-year-old Middlesbrough striker has signed a pre-contract with the SPL champions and has agreed a contract with Celtic until 2011.

"I'm delighted to sign for Celtic and I'm really looking forward to joining a club of their stature," he said.

Hutchinson joined Boro from Arnold Town in 2006 and scored on his Premier League debut against Manchester City.

Hutchinson has been named as a substitute for seven league games and started in the 2-1 win over Bristol City in the FA Cup third-round.

I know Celtic are a massive club and it will be a tremendous experience to play in front of 60,000 fans Ben Hutchinson

And he said he was excited at the prospect of playing for Gordon Strachan's side.

"I know they're a massive club and it will be a tremendous experience to play in front of 60,000 fans," he said.

"I will be doing all I can to, and working as hard as possible, to bring more success to the club."

Strachan said he was confident Hutchinson would be a success at Celtic, adding: "We're very pleased to have signed Ben and will welcome him to the club in the summer.

"We hope he enjoys his time here and proves to be a great success."