Playing For Keeps

Jozo Simunovic has been pleased with his early season involvement, and the Croatian defender is hoping it stands him in good stead for the campaign ahead

  JOZO Simunovic is approaching his third season as at Celtic and, having already lifted seven pieces of silverware as a Celt, the Croatian has enjoyed a remarkable few years at Paradise. He is quick to point out that the team’s success supersedes everything else, and Simunovic is hoping to play an even bigger part in the club’s future successes following a good pre-season.

The 23-year-old played in every one of Celtic’s pre-season friendlies and was part of the starting XI for the first competitive match of the season when the Scottish champions travelled to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, to face Alashkert.

Celtic came away with a three-goal lead from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round tie, and, crucially, kept a clean sheet. Having to start qualification for Europe’s elite competition at an earlier round presents plenty of hurdles for Brendan Rodgers’s side to overcome, but for Simunovic, it’s been an opportunity to do what he loves doing - playing football.

“It felt a bit unusual to have the first competitive game of the season take place so early,” he told the Celtic View in an exclusive interview. “But we had quite a few friendly games before it so we were well-prepared for the game.

“When you finish the season as a defender who has not played all the time, you are desperate for the opportunity to show what you can do and how much you want it.

“I said after the game last week that I was happy because I was playing. It’s very simple in that way. I am always happy for the team’s success but I am happiest when I am in the team and can help contribute to that. This is what I love to do and I work very hard to be the best I can possibly be.