Irish teenager Mark McAllister, believed to be a target for Norwich City, has turned down Celtic in favour of a move to English football. The 19-year-old Dungannon Swifts striker trained with the Glasgow giants at the weekend and was fully expected to sign a two-year deal at Parkhead, but has decided to look at other options.

Irish teenager Mark McAllister, believed to be a target for Norwich City, has turned down Celtic in favour of a move to English football.

The 19-year-old Dungannon Swifts striker trained with the Glasgow giants at the weekend and was fully expected to sign a two-year deal at Parkhead, but has decided to look at other options.

McAllister, named young player of the year by the Northern Ireland Football Writers Association at their annual awards ceremony, scored 15 goals in his first season at Dungannon.

Swifts boss Harry Fay said two firm offers had come from English clubs, with the Canaries said to be on a list of admirers that also includes Cardiff, Coventry, Derby and Leeds.

“Mark was aware that competition for places was fierce and made his own decision,” said Fay.

“We have two other firm offers on the table and a move may be tied up soon.

“Celtic are a massive club but they have a lot of strikers on their books and Mark was aware of his other options.

“He made a mature decision and if he goes anywhere it will be to full-time professional football across the water. A move could be sealed before the weekend.”

City scouts were reported to have been at the Irish Cup final 11 days ago where McAllister missed the vital spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out. Linfield beat Dungannon 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.