Celtic new boy Moritz Bauer has vowed to make up for what he lacks in talent with pure graft as he aims to win over the Parkhead faithful.
The 27-year-old Austria international has signed for Neil Lennon’s side on a season-long loan from Stoke.
The right-back will now battle it out with Hatem Abd Elhamed for a place in Lennon’s line-up.
The ex-Grasshoppers and Rubin Kazan defender is honest enough to admit that he is not blessed with huge amounts of natural ability. But he insists he will make up for his deficiencies with hard work.
Speaking at a press conference after his unveiling, Bauer said: “The fans can expect a very hard worker. I may not be the most talented guy, but I make it up with work.
“I like to play with attacking football. I bring some pace and dynamics to the game.
“I think the atmosphere here will really suit me. I want to make the crowd proud. I will put everything into it that I have.”
Bauer joined the Potters in 2018 and made 21 league starts, the last of those coming on the final day of the 2018-19 campaign.
And he revealed former Stoke team-mates Darren Fletcher and Charlie Adam have backed him to be a success in Scotland.
“After the announcement I had a phone full of congratulations because everyone knows that Celtic is a historical and really big club,” he said.
“It’s quite an honour to wear these colours and everybody is very happy for me – but none of them are as happy as I am.
“When I was at Stoke I’d drive in sometimes with Darren Fletcher and he was one of the first people to congratulate me.
“Charlie Adam, who played for the other side obviously, text me already. Fletcher is a really big player and I learned a lot from him. The same with Charlie.
“They know Scottish football and both said I will feel really happy here.”
Bauer will not be available to make his debut against AIK Stockholm in Thursday’s Europa League clash but declared himself ready to go if required against Rangers in Sunday’s opening Old Firm derby of the campaign.
He said: “Our former coach at Stoke, Paul Lambert, was telling us about the Old Firm derby day in day out, so I think it’s going to be amazing. I’m looking forward to being part of that derby in whatever role I have this weekend.”
