NICOLAS KUHN has hit the ground running in the new season after his false start in January following his £3million arrival frm Rapid Vienna.
The pacy winger scored Celtic’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie after making his debut as a second-half substitute.
However, Kuhn faded from the picture shortly afterwards with evergreen James Forrest bursting back onto the scene with an energy and drive that belied his 33 years.
The German touchline ace asked the Hoops fans to judge him following a full pre-season and he displayed the promise of better things with his dazzling display in the 4-3 win over Manchester City in North Carolina in the US tour.
THREE CHEERS…Matt O’Riley, Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo Furuhashi throw some shapes after the German winger’s strike against Kilmarnock.
Kuhn delivered two eye-catching strikes against Pep Guardiola’s English champions and collected his first competitive counter in the 4-0 opening-day victory over Kilmarnock at Parkhead as the quest for a fourth successive title, the thirteenth championship in 14 years and the 55th crown in the club’s proud history.
But the 24-year-old star realises he faces fierce competition to remain in Brendan Rodgers’ top side with wide Bhoys such as Forrest, Daizen Maeda, Luis Palma, Yang Hyun-jun and Mikey Johnston in contention.
And there could still be movement on the flanks with the Hoops gaffer active in the transfer market until the August 30 deadline passes.
But Kuhn welcomes the challenge and says: “To have someone from behind who’s pushing is always good. You need a lot of players also, with all the competitions we have ahead.
“It was a little bit difficult for me coming in the winter, but now I’m getting used to the team. They know what I’m able to do, so I’m just happy.
HIGH HOPES…Nicolas Kuhn watches his shot head for the Killie net.
“It was really important to start well. We continued what we did in the pre-season games, so we’re happy.
“The last games have been really good. We scored four goals, so we hope it’s going to keep going like that.
“We got even closer together in pre-season. You can’t hide from each other. You have to see everyone each day.
“So, it was a really good pre-season and now we’re happy to be back in Glasgow.”
Kuhn admitted his strike against Killie was all a bit of a blur after he had been set free on the right after an exquisite first-time raking pass from Kyogo Furuhashi.
The one-time Bayern Munich and Ajax prospect accepted the ball at pace, cut inside onto his left foot, moved away from three defenders and fired in a drive from the edge of the penalty area that took a clip off Lewis Mayo’s heel before spiralling high past the stranded Robby McCrorie.
The effort added to the first-half efforts from Reo Hatate and Liam Scales and Anthony Ralston brought down the curtain on a fine team showing with No.4 in stoppage-time.
CITY SLICKER…Nicolas Kuhn slots away the first of his double in Celtic’s 4-3 win over Manchester City.
Kuhn, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “I don’t really remember how it started. I go inside, there was a deflection and I’m happy that it went in.
“It was really good. I scored, so I’m happy, but, overall, the performance was very good. We scored four goals and didn’t concede.
“It’s about the collective, we want to go for three trophies and then it’s individual.”
Kuhn also explained the dance routine he shared with Matt O’Riley and Kyogo as he celebrated his goal against the demoralised Rugby Park men.
The speed merchant revealed: “One of us had to score to do the celebration. We knew before what we wanted to do.
“We listened to some Japanese music in the dressing room and then Kyogo came up with the dance. We said we were going to do it if one of us scored.
“I think Luis [Palma] is the best dancer. I don’t think Tony [Ralston] can dance! I think he has to score some more goals and then maybe he gets into dancing.
“We were really happy for Tony that he scored at the end. I think it just shows that we share the joy and are happy for everyone.
“There’s a group of really, really nice boys and I’m just happy to be here.”
Let’s hope Kuhn and Co have their dancing shoes on when Celtic face Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday.
