Former Australia skipper Mark Milligan claims Celtic are fortunate to have found Ange Postecoglou - and it's not the other way around.
The former Hibs midfielder played under the Yokohama F. Marinos boss for the national side and hailed his abilities as a coach.
The 55-year-old is expected to be announced by the end of the week as boss but the decision has frustrated Celtic fans following the collapse of the Eddie Howe deal.
However, veteran Milligan insists Postecoglou's shot in Europe is long overdue and critics will see what he is capable of when he arrives in the Scottish Premiership.
He told the Sydney Morning Herald : “Celtic are fortunate that they’ve identified him.
“It’s good to see that someone has woken up. This should have happened years ago. This is delayed, simple as that.
“I haven’t worked under him for a long time but I’ve got a fair idea from working at both club and international level of the way he works.
“Working with the guy and knowing what he can do and how he can mesmerise a playing group, it’s fascinating.
"He has such a strong and clear way of playing that you know how it’s going to end up.
“For him to be given a chance in Europe, that’s what he’s waited for in the background as the right opportunity. I’m excited, because he’s the one Australian coach who can give Australian football its place on the world map.”
"It doesn’t look like that’s wavered over the last few years, the way his Yokohama [F. Marinos] team play. Giving him the quality of player that Celtic provide is only going to enhance his reputation.
