Sara tips countryman Bernabei to be huge success at Parkhead

JUAN SARA has backed fellow Argentine Alexandro Bernabei to be a smash-hit for Celtic — and light up the Champions League.

Sara is a big fan of left-back Bernabei who clinched a dream £3.75million summer switch to Ange Postecoglou’s champions last week from Argentine club Lanus.

Former Dundee striker Sara, who starred at Dens Park from 2000-2003 and is now manager of Argentine club Deportivo Maipu, knew all along 21-year-old Bernabei (right) would become a household name.

Now he’s tipping the swashbuckling full-back to turn on the style for the Hoops as they gear up for the defence of their Premiership title as well as their forthcoming campaign in the Champions League.

Sara said: ‘Alexandro is a great signing for Celtic.

‘He is a wonderful, modern-day full-back. He will get forward all day long and deliver quality crosses for his team-mates.

‘Will he be a success in Scotland? Yes, absolutely. I also believe he will be a big hit in the Champions League.

‘I’ve watched a lot of him in the last couple of years and he’s kicked on so much in terms of improvement. So, in my opinion, he is ready to play at the highest level.

‘Everyone in Argentina knows about him. They rave about him because they know he’s destined for the top. It’s great to see a young Argentinian player moving to such a massive club like Celtic. The whole country will be behind him and I’m convinced he won’t disappoint anyone.’ Sara took the plunge to move to Scotland with the Dark Blues when Italian boss Ivano Bonetti lured him to Tayside as one of his first signings in 2000. And the 46-year-old believes Bernabei will embrace life in his new homeland.

He added: ‘Of course, it will be a big change moving from Argentina to Scotland.

‘I did it with Dundee back in 2000 and it can take a little bit of getting used to.

‘But Alexandro is a mature player for his age who will relish the chance to shine on a wider stage.’