Celtic and Rangers target Thomas Robert has opened up on his future and insists he wants to be a success story on his own terms - and NOT because of who his father is.

The playmaker's famous dad Laurent Robert played for Newcastle in the Premier League and the likes of PSG and Benfica during a stellar career and Thomas hopes to follow in his foot steps.

But, in doing so, the Airdrie man wants to make his own name for himself and be a star thanks to his own talents on the pitch. "In France, it was always difficult because many of my team-mates said I was only on the pitch because of my dad," he told the Daily Mail.

"At Airdrie, there hasn't been a single time that a team-mate has spoken about my dad. His name has never been a problem for me here. In France, it was always difficult to play with the name on my back. My dad has had his career. If I'm on the pitch, it's not him playing. It's me who has to prove it. It doesn't matter if my dad played for Newcastle and PSG."

Robert has been linked with both sides of the Old Firm in recent weeks after leaving Montpellier to sign for the Diamonds in League One. And he revealed his reasons for playing in Scottish football's third tier, a coup when Airdrie managed to secure his signature.

He added: "When my agent and I looked at my options, Airdrie was the best. It has let me prove myself against men. It's not important for me to be at a big team if I'm just on the bench. The only way you will improve is to play every week.

"I've already proven myself at Airdrie. I think I've shown I can play at a higher level. I love this country and I love Scottish football. Coming here is the best decision I could have taken."

On interest from Celtic and Rangers, the youngster added: "I've heard about this but I don't like to focus on it. I just try to do my best for the team, score goals and enjoy being on the pitch.

"We'll see what happens in the future. I don't look further than winning the next game. The most important thing is first of all to prove myself with Airdrie and after, of course, it's a dream for me to play with a big team like Celtic, Rangers or in the English Premier League."