Loov at first fright

Aug 17 2008 By Mark Guidi

IMPRESSED Pierre Van Hooijdonk knew Glenn Loovens was a cert to reach the top when the kid defender kicked lumps out of him in training every day.

Celtic's new £2.5million signing was a teenage team-mate of former Parkhead hero Pierre at Feyenoord and made a lasting impression from day one.

At just 18 Loovens helped the Dutch giants win the UEFA Cup in 2002, a glory run that saw them dump Rangers in the last 16 before victory in the final over Borussia Dortmund.

Van Hooijdonk is delighted Celts have snapped up such a talent and has no doubt his compatriot will prove a huge success in the Hoops where his uncompromising style will quickly earn him a new army of admirers.

The Dutch striker told MailSport: "I'm delighted for Glenn to be joining such a huge club.

"Celtic are perfect for him and he will be an excellent signing for my old team.

"Glenn was just 17 when I got to know him at Feyenoord and I could tell from our first training session he was a no-nonsense defender.

"When he was coming through the ranks we would often have practice games in training between the first team and younger players. Of course I'd be right up against Glenn and he wouldn't hold back.

"As a defender he wasn't afraid to put his foot in. I sometimes got a bit annoyed and had to remind Glenn it was only a training game.

"I didn't want to be involved in mad battles and risk picking up injuries. But that was just Glenn's way.

"He was always right on top of the strikers and never gave them a second. Physical contact is not a problem for Glenn.

"He just doesn't like to lose at any level. He is a really strong lad and has worked hard to improve his physique.

"I remember telling him early in his career at Feyenoord he would be suited perfectly to British football.

"Sometimes in Holland we expect too much from our stoppers - we want them to defend, score goals and set up attacks. There is perhaps less pressure to do that in Britain.

"So I've no doubt Glenn will do well and I hope it's another success story for a Dutchman at Parkhead." Van Hooijdonk still keeps a close eye on Celtic and will be in Glasgow at the end of the month to attend the first Old Firm game of the season.

He insists Loovens will have no problem coping with the pressure of the derby and said: "Glenn was involved in big European ties at 18 yet never flinched.

"He was playing regularly at the De Kuip stadium for Feyenoord in front of 50,000 passionate fans.

"So playing for Celtic is something he will look forward to and be keen to take on.

"He was in the Feyenoord team at Ibrox when we drew with Rangers in the UEFA Cup and also played in our return leg win. That has given him a taste of beating Rangers and I'm sure he will want it much more often now he has joined Celtic.

"Of course he has to get into the team and there is tough competition for places.

"But he has the ability to play at the highest level and I've no doubt he will quickly become an important part of the side and a hero to the Celtic fans."

Pierre also reckons Loovens' switch to the SPL champs can help him fulfil his ambition of breaking into the international set up.

He said: "We have a high standard of player at national level which Glenn knows.

"But it may be a slight advantage the new Holland coach is Bert Van Marwijk who gave Glenn his debut at Feyenoord and trusted him from such a young age.

"The most important thing for Glenn is adapting quickly to life on and off the pitch at Celtic and focusing on playing well at club level.

"I know it is not easy settling in straight away to life in Glasgow.

"At least he has been in Britain for a couple of years and had a taste of it all at Cardiff.

"Moving to Celtic is a huge step up but I have no doubt he will handle it."

Van Hooijdonk, 38, retired from the game last year and is finalising plans to complete his coaching badges and would love to become a boss.

He said: "I want to have the necessary qualifications to coach at a high level.

"I'm not sure if I will get the chance but I want to have everything in place so I'm ready if the call comes.

"I'm excited but there is still a bit of work to be done before it will all be sorted.

"I studied a few countries at Euro 2008 which was great and has given me a real appetite for the game again."