HATEM Abd Elhamed was delighted to shake off the dead leg, which had seen him forced off early in the second half of Saturday’s game against St Johnstone, and take his place in the starting XI for the European tie against CFR Cluj in Romania.

The Israeli internationalist had impressed on his Celtic debut at Paradise, and he followed that up with another strong performance to help Neil Lennon’s side record a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie.

Now, the 28-year-old is hoping to help his new team-mates complete the job against Cluj on Tuesday night at a packed Paradise and take a step closer to the group stages of the competition.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the game in Romania, Elhamed said: “It’s a good result for us and now we need to be ready for the second leg next week. It’s a big fight but at Celtic Park, our fans will support us very well and I believe we can win that game and go through to the play-off.

“Before last Saturday, my last game had been three months ago. I did my best and tried to give 100 per cent, as I do in every game. I’m very happy to start well with Celtic, which is very important for me, and I’m hoping that in the matches to come, I’ll get better and better to make sure I’m 100 per cent fit.”

The defender was delighted to make his debut for Celtic on Flag Day at Paradise, as the Hoops launched their bid for nine-in-a-row with a 7-0 victory over St Johnstone. And he’s looking forward to his first taste of European football at Celtic Park on Tuesday.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere, and it’s something I dreamt about,” he said. “I said before that this is a dream come true, and I enjoyed the experience on Saturday. Now I can’t wait to play at Celtic Park in the Champions League.

“It was good for me to start and to do well. I came here to be an important player, and try to be one of the best and that’s what I’m going to try to do every week and give everything in every game.”

Cheer on the Bhoys against CFR Cluj next Tuesday, August 13.

Elhamed: Supporters can help us beat Cluj at Celtic Park