MOHAMED ELYOUNOUSSI is a man on a mission as Celtic prepare for the Premiership kick-off against Hamilton Accies at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon.
The Norwegian international is ready to hit the ground running in his second loan spell at the champions after impressing in his initial temporary switch from Southampton last time out.
A broken foot injury in November stalled his progress just as he was settling into Neil Lennon’s side and he had to be content with seven goals from 16 appearances as the Hoops claimed their ninth successive title.
Elyounoussi, who scored two superb goals in the 5-2 victory over Hibs in the Betfred League Cup semi-final, also played in the silverware showdown against Steven Gerrard’s outfit in December, but was forced to come off at the interval following a reaction to his injury.
Now the Morocco-born 26-year-old left-sided raider has twin aims as he hopes to make and take goals in the team’s quest to make history.
Elyounoussi, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “I never talk about my targets at all, but, of course, I have them.
“I want to score as many goals as I possibly can for Celtic. On top of that, I want to provide as many assists as I can.
“That is my role in the team and at the start of every season I do make some targets.
“You will never find me talking about them in public, though. I keep them a secret.
“My best return in one season was with Basel in 2017/18. I scored 13 goals and got 17 assists.
“At Celtic, the manager wants me to get a lot of goals and assists.
“The good thing is I know when I step on to the pitch that I will probably get at least one chance in every game. It’s all about me being clinical.”
Elyounoussi, who cost the Saints £16million when he joined from Basel two years ago, netted against Lyon in France and against Ross County in the friendly at the weekend.
Elyounoussi said: “I am feeling sharp and all the boys are looking good.
“We now need to train hard for the next few days and get ready for Sunday. There is still more to come. We could have scored more against County, but we will sharpen up in front of goal as the games go on.
“I am happy with the way things are going. I felt fresh when I came back to training and I can see the boys have done the same.
“We worked hard to keep in good condition and, of course, it helps when I have more time to prepare with the team.”
