‘THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR ME AT CELTIC,’ INCREDIBLE CLAIM BY CIFTCI

CELTIC misfit Nadir Ciftci insists there is “always hope” for a future at the Hoops as he prepares to kick-start his faltering career on loan at Motherwell.

The 25-year-old Turkish striker, who cost ex-boss Ronny Deila £1.3million when he joined from Dundee United on a four-year deal in July 2015, spent the first half of the season at Plymouth Argyle. Incredibly he insisted on being allocated the coveted number 7 jersey and this was actually given to him by the Norwegian.

However, after firing blanks in his eight outings for the League One side, he was returned to Parkhead earlier this month.

The champions had already allowed the player to leave on temporary transfers to Turkish outfit Eskisehirspor and Pogon Szczecin in Poland.

Asked if he felt he still had a future at Celtic, Ciftci replied: “There is always hope and there are always doors open, so I will think about it when the season is finished.

“All I want to do right now is concentrate on Motherwell, they have given me this chance to show myself.

“Obviously, I have another year left with Celtic, but I will think about it in the summer. Until then I will give everything for Motherwell.”

Ciftci, who could make his Well debut in the Scottish Cup-tie against Hamilton on Saturday, stressed there is no problem between him and Brendan Rodgers.

He added: “He has been great for the club, for the players and it has been good between me and him.

“It is just that I have not been able to play under him, but I have always rated him highly.

“I tried everything I had. It has been up and down at Celtic for me, but I am happy to be here to concentrate on Motherwell.

“The people around the club made me feel so comfortable in just one and a half weeks, so already it feels much different to other moves I have made.

“I will give whatever I can, sometimes it will be goals, sometimes it will be assists, but I am not putting myself under the pressure of needing to score goals.

“Obviously, that will be good, but first I have to help the team.”

NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW FEATURING TOMMY SHERIDAN

A Celtic State of Mind presents its 30th instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning treble-winning Scottish champions.

Kevin Graham is joined by Scotty Alcroft to interview Scottish pro-independence politician, Tommy Sheridan, at The Penalty Spot in Glasgow.

The interview took place as part of A Celtic State of Mind’s first live event – Five-a-sides at The Penalty Spot – and, as such, there is some background noise (including mobile interference – apologies) from the audience.

The other voice you may hear throughout this episode is that of former Celtic striker, Frank McGarvey, who is a friend of Tommy’s, and who was also interviewed separately that day for a future show.

You are sure to enjoy Tommy’s eclectic input, as he discusses everything from Catalan independence to Coolio, with a constant undercurrent of that thing called Celtic.

Order Jim Craig’s new Lisbon Lion Diary – Right Back to 67 from CQNBookstore.co.uk and you will receive a signed copy from the man himself plus a FREE copy of That Season in Paradise – Ten Months of Celtic Heaven signed by fellow Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld! Simply order Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and the second book will be sent automatically. Stocks are running very low so hurry!