Southampton have confirmed the permanent signing of Jos Hooiveld from Celtic for an undisclosed fee.The Dutch defender, who has been a regular in Saints' npower Championship table-topping side since arriving initially on loan in August, has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at St Mary's.

Southampton have confirmed the permanent signing of Jos Hooiveld from Celtic for an undisclosed fee.

The Dutch defender, who has been a regular in Saints' npower Championship table-topping side since arriving initially on loan in August, has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at St Mary's.

Hooiveld joined Celtic from Swedish side AIK in January 2010 for a fee believed to be around £1.4million.

But he failed to establish himself at Parkhead and had a loan spell with Copenhagen before moving to Southampton earlier this season.

The 28-year-old has been a big hit on the south coast, making 15 appearances so far and scoring three goals including the winner against promotion rivals West Ham in October.

Hooiveld will take his place in the Saints' defence when they head to bottom-side Doncaster on Saturday.