LONDON (Reuters) - Scottish champions Celtic signed Germany defender Andreas Hinkel from Sevilla for an undisclosed fee on Friday.

"I am delighted to sign for Celtic and am really looking forward to joining up with my new team mates," the 25-year-old Hinkel told the club's official Web site (www.celticfc.net).

"Having already played against Celtic in European competition I am well aware of the magnificent stadium and wonderfully passionate support which the club enjoys."

Hinkel, who has signed a three and a half year deal with Celtic, has played 17 times for his country but failed to establish himself in Spain after joining Sevilla from VfB Stuttgart in 2006.

Celtic cannot use Hinkel in next month's Champions League clash against Barcelona because he has already appeared twice in this season's competition.

Manager Gordon Strachan said he had been tracking the defender for some time.

"We are sure he has all the qualities to be a great success," said Strachan.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Tony Jimenez)