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Nigerian defender Danny Shittu is hoping for a fresh start after being released by English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers.

The Nigerian
international’s contract with the Trotters was cancelled on Wednesday
after both parties agreed to a mutual termination of a three-year deal
that commenced back in August 2008 when the then 28-year-old arrived
from Watford on a £2m transfer fee.

Shittu, who turned
30 yesterday, made only 12 appearances during his time at the Reebok
Stadium – all 12 appearances were in his debut season – and was deemed
surplus to requirements by the club’s management.

He however remained
in the plans of Super Eagles handlers and featured at January’s Africa
Cup of Nations in Angola before following it up with an appearance at
the World Cup in South Africa where he got to feature in all of
Nigeria’s matches.

Alternatives

Shittu was one of
the standout players of a Nigerian team that failed to impress in South
Africa and that placed the former Queens Park Rangers ace in the radars
of a host of clubs who are reportedly interested in securing his
services.

One of such clubs
is Scottish side Celtic, who are rumoured to be tracking the former
Watford man as their manager Neil Lennon considers his defensive
options following a poor start to a season that has seen them crash out
of the UEFA Champions League at the qualifying round stage.

Clubs in Turkey,
France and the Middle East are also believed to be interested in Shittu
but the central defender won’t be rushed into making a decision
regarding his future, as he left Bolton in search of regular football.

“I believe quitting Bolton was the right step to take as I didn’t have options to play at Bolton,” Shittu told skysports.com.

“I wish the club all the best in the future and now I have to find myself a new club.

“I am now reviewing my options and there are quite a few sides interested in me from Europe and the Middle East.”

“Hopefully I can announce where my future lies shortly after I return from international duty.”

Shittu began his career as a trainee at English club Charlton
Athletic, moved in 2002 to QPR on a permanent deal financed by
supporters after he impressed during a loan spell, and went on to make
over 160 appearances for the R’s before moving to Watford for £1.6m in
the summer of 2006.