NEW Bhoy Josip Juranovic knows what is expected from him after agreeing a £2.6million five-year contract from Legia Warsaw.
The 26-year-old Croatian international will miss Thursday night’s Europa League final second leg play-off against AZ Alkmaar as he is Cup-tied with his former Polish outfit.
Juranovic said farewell to Legia last week with a screamer in the 2-2 first leg draw with Slavia Prague and he hopes to contribute such memorable moments at Parkhead.
Anthony Ralston’s outstanding form in the No.2 position since the start of the campaign – the 23-year-old academy graduate has played every minute of the nine competitive outings – means it will be a real battle for the newcomer to get a place in Ange Postecoglou’s first team.
NUMBER 88…new Bhoy Josip Juranovic will wear the iconic shirt. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
However, it is almost certain the 10 times-capped back-four operator will be included in the squad for the first Glasgow derby of the term at Ibrox on Sunday with a midday kick-off.
Juranovic said: “Celtic are a big club and it was a big opportunity for me. I want to see myself on this stage and I want to give everything here.
“I’m a team player, I want to show my ability in defending, but also crossing, assisting, running, pushing, and giving everything to win the game.
“I’ve watched the games this season and the team look really good. I like the manager’s style of attacking football and the fact that every player plays in the opposing team’s half. I’m really looking forward to playing in this system.”
Juranovic’s parting gift to the Poles was his scorching 25-yard drive against the Czechs last week and, speaking to Celtic TV, he added: “I received the ball on the halfway line and saw the space, I ran into it and after a few seconds I thought about having a shot.
“I didn’t believe I’d scored at first, but after about five seconds I was really happy. You can see my celebration was a total disaster, but I really enjoyed the moment.”
Ralston has already scored twice in the Premiership and has a head start on his rival. It will be intriguing to see hwo many goals the attack-minded defenders contribute to the cause in the crusade ahead.
