Hak: Great to be back in action
SEAD HAKSABANOVIC admits he’s not ready to play 90 minutes for Celtic yet – and says boss Ange Postecoglou was RIGHT to hook him at half-time against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Montenegrin winger, signed on deadline day from Rubin Kazan, was given his first start in the Champions League clash on Wednesday night.
He was subbed off at the break in Poland as the Hoops picked up their first point with a 1-1 draw.
The 23-year-old said: “It’s been a long time since I started a game and it feels good to be involved so quickly.
“I still need to improve but the more I play, the better I’ll get. There have been a lot of big games since I arrived and I’ve loved being part of it.
“The derby against Rangers was a great experience, to see all the fans in the stadium and to win made it special.
“I didn’t know I was going to start against Shakhtar until a few hours before the game. It feels good to know I have the manager’s confidence.
“I wasn’t expecting to start because, not only have I not played in a while, but there are a lot of good players already at this club.
“I was taken off at half-time because I haven’t played for so long. I hadn’t started a game for three months so 45 minutes was probably right for me.
“It’s going to take time for me to be at my best but I enjoyed the experience.”
Haksabanovic can play anywhere in Postecoglou’s front line but the left flank is his preferred position.
He could get another chance there against St Mirren in the league today and the wide man says Celtic will take nothing for granted in Paisley.
He said: “The manager demands a lot from his forward players. But this is how I want to play. I want to press high and win the ball back, so the way the team plays will suit me. Every game is so important.”