Brown is due to make his farewell appearance for Hibs on Sunday, when champions Celtic - of all teams - are the visitors to Easter Road on the final day of the Bank of Scotland Premier League season.

It remains to be see how long he plays for against his future employers, but Hibernian are eager that he should have the chance to say his goodbyes to the supporters who have grown to idolise him.

Celtic fans will soon have the opportunity to see the Scotland international in the green and white hoops, and Strachan is delighted the 21-year-old chose Parkhead over offers from elsewhere.

He is also just as pleased the club agreed to meet the £4million-plus asking price, which becomes the highest fee paid in a transfer between two SPL clubs.

"He has all the attributes to be a great Celtic player and I am sure he will enjoy teaming up with the other players at the club as we try to bring more success to our supporters," said Strachan.

"I would also like to thank the Celtic board for their support in bringing Scott to Celtic."

Chief executive Peter Lawwell insists there was never any question of Celtic denying Strachan the funds, even if Brown, at 21, is just an emerging talent in the game.

With Middlesbrough keen to take Brown to the Riverside, Celtic needed to move quickly. But having announced half-yearly profits of almost £18million in February, the club are in a strong financial position.

Lawwell said: "There was considerable interest in Scott from a number of other clubs across Britain and clearly it is fantastic news for the club and our supporters that we have signed him.

"Scott did have more lucrative offers elsewhere, but we are clearly very pleased that he has chosen to join Celtic.

"The Celtic board is delighted to support Gordon and his plans for the future."

Brown's move to Celtic might not prove as popular with the Hibernian fans as a transfer to England would have, as it serves to increase the Old Firm stranglehold.

But Brown, who has just three caps for Scotland so far, insists he will look back fondly on his four years in the Hibernian first team.

He said: "I have enjoyed my time immensely playing for Hibernian for a number of years and have nothing but praise for the club and its staff and supporters."

Having secured such a fee - reported at £4.4million - there are no hard feelings from within the club towards the player nicknamed 'Broonaldo' by the Leith fans.

Manager John Collins paid tribute to Brown, insisting he will particularly be remembered for the part he played in this season's CIS Insurance Cup triumph.

Collins said: "He has done everything we asked of him and more, and played a big part in delivering our first trophy for 16 years, and I am sure the fans will give him a great send-off."