Having operated on the fringes of the first-team in the opening stretch of Celtic’s 2020/21 campaign, Ismaila Soro burst onto the scene proper with a dazzling display in the Hoops’ 3-2 UEFA Europa League win over Lille at Paradise last month.

The 22-year-old Ivorian midfielder hasn’t looked back since while anchoring the champions’ midfield, and has been combative in defence and fluid in attack. To the latter end, Soro shone against Dundee United in the final game of 2020 – a 3-0 home win wherein he provided for his team-mate David Turnbull with an assist, and nearly burst the net with a goal of his own in the first half.

After hitting the mark from 30 yards – a curling outside of the boot effort that left United keeper Benjamin Siegrist with no chance – the young midfielder sprinted to the touchline to celebrate with his manager, and the joy which spread across his face was infectious.

Celtic fans have in turn warmed to the man with the permanent smile, who hosted a fan-led Q&A during the club’s mid-season warm weather training camp in Dubai last week. Check out Soro’s takeover in full on the official Celtic Football Club Instagram account, and have a gander at his heart-warming question and answer session below.

FAVOURITE MEMORY SO FAR AT CELTIC?

The first day I signed for this big club, and when I scored my first goal at Celtic Park.

WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER GROWING UP?

Didier Drogba because of his determination on the pitch and his hard work.

HOW DID IT FEEL TO SCORE THAT AMAZING GOAL AGAINST DUNDEE UNITED, AND HOW MUCH DID IT MEAN TO YOU?

Before a match, I always have an individual goal in my head that I want to achieve. Either I score a goal or make a decisive pass. That is where my inspiration came from for this magnificent goal. I have to keep working hard to score more for the team!

WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS SO HAPPY?

Since I was little, I have had this joy of always smiling. It will not stop even in the difficult times and in these difficult times I know I will find a solution. I do not like to lose and mentally I am strong.

"Since I was little, I have had this joy of always smiling. It will not stop even in the difficult times and in these difficult times I know I will find a solution. I do not like to lose and mentally I am strong."

WHY THE NUMBER 12?

I like the number, it’s one of my favourite numbers.

WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF GLASGOW SO FAR?

I like Glasgow! It’s a really good city, but I have not seen it fully yet because of the pandemic. I am looking forward to hopefully seeing more.

FUNNIEST IN THE DRESSING ROOM?

Captain Broony!

HOW MANY LANGUAGES CAN YOU SPEAK?

I can speak French, a little Hebrew and Russian and currently I am learning English.

HOW WAS DUBAI?

The training was very good and we worked very hard!

Get to Know... Celtic's Ismaila Soro