Sead Haksabanovic ready to impress after watching Celtic’s 9-0 win over Dundee United | Football News

Sead Haksabanovic watched Celtic hammer Dundee United on Sunday and realised he faces a major test to get into Ange Postecoglouss team.

But the new signing was even more excited about the challenge ahead after watching the « beautiful football » on show at Tannadice.

Haksabanovic arrived in Scotland ahead of Celtic’s record 9-0 away victory. Postecoglou fielded an array of attacking talent and Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis is set to return for Wednesday’s Premier Sports Cup tie against Ross County following illness.

Twenty-three-year-old forward Haksabanovic, who joined from Russian club Rubin Kazan in a cut-price deal, said: « It’s a big challenge but when I saw them play I was only thinking I want to be there, I want to score goals, I want to make assists, I want to dribble.

« Because the way they were playing on Sunday was beautiful football and I want to play that.

« It’s a big challenge but I am here for it and I will work hard for it as well.

« I am just going to be hard-working, I am going to do everything for me and the team, and I think I am going to get the fans off their seats sometimes with some good dribbling, some good actions and hopefully some points as well.

« I am ready. Now it’s just up to the manager when he wants me to play. »

The Sweden-born Montenegro international is excited about Postecoglou’s attacking vision.

« I spoke to the gaffer and the plan that he has looks very good for me, » he said. « We spoke fluently and it felt good. He likes the way I play and he thinks I fit in the system he wants to play. We spoke about how he sees me and how I want to play and it went well.

« Celtic is a dream club. To be here is a dream come true. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world with the fans and the history. I didn’t have to think about coming here, I just wanted to come.

« Before Celtic came into the picture I had some clubs (interested) but they mostly wanted to take me on loan. When I heard Celtic wanted me, I told my agent this is where I wanted to be. There was no thinking about it.

« It was about a month or a month and a half ago that I heard.

« I was waiting at home, I was training by myself and doing what I could do. I just wanted to come here and start. I was running around thinking about playing here so that kept me going. Now I am here so I am just looking forward. »

Postecoglou had been eager to get versatile players into the club after filling specific positions during pre-season and Haksabanovic fits the bill.

« My favourite (position) is on the left wing, » he said. « That’s where I have played most of my life. In Russia I played as a number eight, in central midfield, and I have played as a number 10 as well and I like that also. I have played on the right as well so I can play wherever. »

Saturday 3rd September 11:30am


Kick off 12:30pm

The move is the attacker’s second switch to the United Kingdom, but he only played two cup ties in an 18-month spell at West Ham.

« When I went to West Ham it was Slaven Bilic that bought me and then he got fired, » he said.

« I had to learn the hard way about football. I learnt a lot of things. I saw how it was to be with the big guys. I was still young – I was only 18.

« That made me the person I am today and it only made me stronger. »

Watch Celtic vs Rangers live from 11:30am on Saturday on Sky Sports Football, with kick-off 12:30pm. You can also follow it in our dedicated live match blog featuring in-game highlights and analysis.