CATHOLIC United have become internet sensations following Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan switch to Celtic.

Following the defender’s move to the Glasgow giants, Catholic tweeted a picture of Cameron-Vickers playing for their junior side in his youth.

And Catholic chairman James Paviour could not believe what happened next.

“I had the Twitter notifications on my phone and it just went crazy,” said Paviour.

“We had about 2,600 followers before the picture went out on our Twitter account and now we’re above 20,000. We’ve got about 18,000 new followers from it and it’s just been incredible.”

But the interest in the Essex Olympian Premier Division side has not stopped there.

“SX Sports have sold out of Catholic United replica shirts and Joma who are the suppliers have sold out of the green and white hoops too,” said Paviour.

“People have bought everything and we’re so overwhelmed and pleased. We’ve even had people travel from Glasgow to our games.

"It’s been really amazing and I cannot tell you how many direct messages we now get.

“It’s literally hundreds a day and people have donated money as well. All of our players are now sponsored and it’s just been fantastic.

"An average tweet we now do has something like 200,000 impressions and it’s eye-watering really.”

However, Catholic had actually been linked with Celtic long before Carter-Vickers’ loan switch from Tottenham Hotspur.

“There’s actually a long history with the two clubs,” said Paviour.

“We were in the Walton Cup final back in 1968 but back then the club wore a mix of kits. Our chairman wrote a letter to Celtic and they sent us some shirts. That’s why we wear green and white hoops.”

Carter-Vickers, a former Eastwood School pupil, is now doing exactly that in the Scottish Premier League. And he also spoke about his past with Catholic shortly after arriving at Parkhead.

“Cameron did mention us in his interview with Celtic when he signed,” said Paviour.

“He’s a hero there now though I think and scored on his debut. But it’s certainly been a crazy couple of weeks.”

However, it is not just Carter-Vickers who has brought Catholic into the limelight after England star Jude Bellingham had done likewise in the summer.

“Jude Bellingham’s dad Mark played for Catholic too,” said Paviour.

“Jude tweeted a picture of his dad holding him at a game. His dad was in in the hoops so we’ve had a gold run with famous links.”

But Paviour is enjoying the increased level of interest and whatever comes next. Perhaps a pre-season friendly with Celtic?

“A few people have said that, tongue in cheek,” said Paviour.

“But we’re riding the wave and long may it continue.”