Koki set to show his class

Jul 20 2008 By Mark Guidi

AIDEN McGEADY has tipped Japan star Koki Mizuno to take Scottish football by storm this season.

The skilful attacking midfielder joined Celtic in January from Japanese side Jef United and McGeady reckons he's now set to burst on to the scene.

Aiden said: "Koki looks ready to make a big impact.

He has been impressive in pre-season.

"He has had time to settle and it must have been difficult to integrate into the culture and way of life here.

"However, he has found his feet and is one of the fittest players in the squad."

But McGeady doesn't want to put too much pressure on Mizuno by tagging him the next Shunsuke Nakamura.

Naka's role as the main man in Japan's national team is expected to be taken over by his Hoops team-mate in the next two years.

However, McGeady - who signed a new five-year deal last week - said: "Koki is a different type of player from Naka. He's quicker, more direct and can really do things for the club this season."

With Mizuno and others such as Scott Brown and McGeady all of a similar age, Aiden reckons the future looks good for Celtic.

He said: "Hopefully we'll all reach our peak here."