AFTER joining the Scottish champions on their pre-season summer tour of Austria and Switzerland, Hoops new Bhoy Luca Connell says he now can’t wait to get started at Paradise. Speaking ahead of the friendly against Stade Rennais tomorrow (Saturday), the 18-year-old midfielder described the chance to play at Celtic Park as unbelievable.

Whether that’s this weekend or thereafter, Connell said he plans to work hard behind the scenes regardless and seize any opportunities that come his way.

“It’s been brilliant and I can’t complain with anything,” said Connell of his time so far in Glasgow. “The boys have settled me well and the gaffer’s been good to me. I’ve been working hard and I’m now looking forward to game-time soon.

“I want to work hard and challenge for my place as well. I’m sure there will be a lot of opportunities. There could be potentially 70 competitive games, and the same 11 can’t play that amount of games. I’m hoping I can make the step up and impress here at Celtic. Celtic are a massive club. It’s a step up for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Connell explained he was delighted to learn of Celtic’s interest in him, and said while other clubs were keen on his talents, his decision to travel north was an easy one.

He added: “It was unbelievable getting the call, and it’s not something you can ignore, when a Champions League team want to sign you.

“There were a few clubs interested in me, but I knew that this was the club for me. It’s a dream come true. I want to go on and make history here. Hopefully I can get some first-team games in and help make more history.

“There are plenty of players here and every single one is good, but there will be chances and it’s up to me to take them. That’s the message – if you work hard, train well you’ll get your chance. Then you must deal with the pressure that comes with that.

“If I can get some game-time that would be unbelievable. If I can make my debut at Celtic Park, that’s even more unbelievable again.”

You can be at Paradise this Saturday, July 13 to cheer on the Bhoys against Stade Rennais. There’s lots of free pre-match entertainment on the Celtic Way for all the family ahead of the game to, and there’s still time to book your place, with a limited number of tickets still available.

Full matchday details HERE

Luca Connell: I'll work hard and seize my chance when it comes