Toure touts team-mates for England

KOLO TOURE says Jozo Simunovic and Eric Sviatchenko can go on to star in England – but only provided they finish learning their trade at Celtic first!

The former Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City regular has been forced on to the sidelines as the Czech and the Dane have cemented their position as the Hoops’ first-choice central defence.

It is a partnership which has impressed the African, who was brought in with a view to helping the development of the younger players at the club.

However, as Toure points out, he has not been the only one who has noted their progress, with English Premier clubs already linked with moves to take the pair south of the border.

“They are good boys, top professionals, who both have big futures,” he said.

“Jozo is only 22 and possesses real quality, while Eric is very powerful and very energetic.

“They will get better, for sure, but I think right now the best thing to do is to stay at Celtic.

“Here they play regularly in domestic competitions, and also in the Champions League.

“When you go to England, it is more difficult to get that kind of experience.

“There is more competition for places. One or two mistakes and that is it – you are out of the side.

“And, of course, there is a huge battle every year to get the European qualifications.

“At Celtic just now, everything is great and all the players have time to improve themselves.

“So I think in three or four years, Jozo and Eric can go.

“Right now, though, they need to stay where they are.”

It is a development the 35-year-old Ivorian hopes to be able to follow from close range.

His own contract is up at the end of the season, but he remains hopeful Brendan Rodgers will grant him an extension.

“I hope to stay but for now my focus is on this season, and trying to do the best I can,” said Toure.

“I want to bring something to the club because, when I can bring something, I am happy.

“At the moment, I feel I am bringing something. Everybody is very, very happy with me and if that can also carry on next season, it is going to be great.”

Toure believes defence is not the only area where Celtic fans will see significant progress from their young players in the next couple of years.

“We have so many unbelievable talents here,” he said.

“Tom Rogic and Stuart Armstrong, for example, are already good players who make a big contribution to the team.

“The more they play at Champions League level, the better they will become.

“You will see it next season. It will be familiar to them and the experience will really benefit them.”