Brighton re-sign defender Virgo

Brioghton fought off Championship clubs to re-sign Virgo

Adam Virgo has rejoined Brighton on a free transfer from Celtic, three years after leaving the Seagulls.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal to link up with boss Micky Adams for the fourth time in his career.

He gave the defender his Albion debut in 2001, had him on loan at Coventry in 2006 and on loan again at Colchester at the end of last season.

Adams told the club's website: "If he can replicate the form in his first spell here, we will all be happy."

Virgo was a surprise early signing by Gordon Strachan soon after he took charge at Celtic Park.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Virgo's move from Celtic to Brighton

But the £1.5m arrival got off to a poor start with the club he supported as a boy, being substituted in his first starting appearance after conceding a penalty.

Brighton-born Virgo was selected twice by Scotland at B international level.

However, he only made 12 appearances for Celtic, with Strachan sending him out on loan to Coventry and Colchester before the versatile defender's return to Brighton.

Virgo said: "When I knew the club and Micky were interested, it was a very easy decision to make.

"There were other offers on the table, but at this stage of my career I need to be playing regular football and I feel I can achieve that with my hometown club."

Meanwhile, Brighton have also signed a new shirt sponsorship deal with IT specialists IT First.