BERAM KAYAL has paid a heartfelt tribute to the Celtic support after calling full-time on his spell at Parkhead.

The Israeli was finally granted a work permit on Wednesday that will see him line-up for Brighton and Hove Albion until the summer of 2017.

It brings to an end a fruitful period for the 26-year-old in Glasgow that saw him rack up 131 appearances for the Hoops.

And despite his future now lying at the Falmer Stadium, Kayal insists he will be back in Scotland soon to follow his old team.

The midfielder said: "I would like to thank the Celtic fans for the tremendous support they gave me throughout my time with the club.

"They are amazing fans, committed to the team and they were incredibly supportive to me all through my time in Glasgow.

"Coming to a new country, that support was huge for me and I now have many great friends and good memories from my time playing in the famous green and white hoops.

"I will see them all soon. I will be back to watch Celtic in the future - as the club will always be in my heart - and I wish everybody at the club the very best for the future.

"For now it is time to begin a new chapter on my career with Brighton & Hove Albion, and I am very much looking forward to playing for the supporters here in Brighton."

Kayal, who has 26 caps for his country, is now poised to go straight into the squad that travels to Blackpool tomorrow.

The Seagulls, managed by Chris Hughton, currently sit 19th in the English Championship, five points above the relegation zone.