THE BHOYS IS ALONSO’S TOP TARGET

aim right now is to change the style, get the team to be familiar with it and make it their own. ‘Adjusting from part-time to full-time is hard. Someone who is used to working then coming to training, they will be tired and you can’t push them as injuries will happen. ‘They are now full-time and they have to learn to recover properly as we will push them again the next day in training. ‘Some of them won’t be used to full-time training, so they will need time. It is a transition period for us but it is an exciting time for the club. We want to be as successful as the men’s team but it could take time.’ The first sea-change, however, has been reflected in the number of texts that the 42-year-old Spaniard has received. Alonso took charge of his first training session last night as he formally met the players but he has already been inundated by requests from players outwith Scottish shores making their availability known. With the spine of the Scottish national side plying their trade in England or in Europe, the opportunity to bring experienced talent into Celtic is one that ought to have a gradual effect on elevating the standard within the league. ‘After I was announced as manager, I got messages from some players who want to come to Scotland and play,’ said Alonso. ‘It is people I would never have believed would be willing to come to Scotland, so it surprised me. ‘It says a lot about the club and how much people want to play for a club like this. Everyone knows Celtic and they want to be part of a famous club.’