Right Back To Basics

Mikael Lustig is revelling in his run in the team after reverting to past procedure.

- Tony Connelly

IT’S been five-and-a-half years since Mikael Lustig first pulled on the green and white jersey and, in that time, the Swede has worked tirelessly in playing a crucial part in some of the club’s historic achievements.

Whether it’s celebrating a goal or being part of an undefeated Invincibles’ season, his love for the Hoops is unmistakable in the raw emotion he is known to exude. Having signed a contract extension earlier this year Lustig is now eyeing more trophies, euphoric European nights and playing his part in helping promising young talent from the Celtic Academy shine.

The Swedish internationalist joined Celtic in January 2012 from Rosenborg with high hopes. However, his injuries stalled the early part of his career in Glasgow as he addressed the challenge of making the transition from the Norwegian close season to the pace of Scottish football.

Regardless of the injuries he had to overcome, the resolute defender’s mental strength and willpower saw him overcome the hurdles in front of him and establish himself as a key player in the squad with consistent and assured performances.

“The last two years have been great for me,” said Lustig. “I played a lot of games last season with no problems.

“In the past I was injured a lot so a couple of years ago I decided to go back to basics, back to doing the things I was doing when I was at Rosenborg. I was there for three-and-a-half years and I was never injured, so I looked at what I did there and returned to that. It was more to do with recovery and what I was doing after games over anything else, so I’ve been applying that recently and it’s been working well for me.

“The backroom staff here are brilliant and they help us a lot so they’ve played a crucial part in helping to keep me fit and healthy.”