Paul McStay has given Ange Postecoglou his Celtic seal of approval.
The Parkhead icon is convinced the new boss has the talent and character to defy his doubters in Scotland.
Postecoglou was officially appointed the successor to Neil Lennon on Thursday after an 106-day search that involved a dramatic breakdown in talks with Eddie Howe.
The former Yokohama F. Marinos and Australia national team manager has only limited experience in European football but his overall coaching career has spanned a quarter of a century.
McStay is confident Celtic have bagged "a winner" who can lead their fightback against Rangers next season.
He told celticfc.com : “The people I talk to in the football world here feel Ange is a top coach and it’s a move he deserves after all the success he’s had in Australia, Japan and with the national team.
“Everyone’s delighted his success has been recognised by a top club in Europe. The football community here are excited by the prospect of Ange working at Celtic and the prospect of it raising the profile of Australian football in the eyes of Europe.
“I’ve been here for 11 years now and Ange is a name aligned with quality coaching and success here and in Asia.
"What I’ve learned in my 11 years of being here and keeping an eye on the game is that he’s a winner. Wherever he goes, he seems to have that formula and structure to his teams, and the way he plays brings success.
“That comes from him being a quality coach but I think within him is a character who has that winning edge as well, which I think will be really important at Celtic.”
Postecoglou enjoyed particular success at Brisbane Roar - winning back to back championships and leading the club into the AFC Champions League.
He also led Australia to the Asian Cup in 2015, a first in the nation's history.
McStay accepts Europe is a step up but suspects misgivings over the 55-year-old's pedigree are misplaced.
“I’ve seen what he did at Brisbane and the Australian national team,” he said. “Going to Europe is taking it up a level from the point of view of the A League and the Asian footballing world.
“What he’s proved is he has that experience and expertise and the mental strength to go and win things over in Europe. It’s what he’s been waiting for – that opportunity to go and show he can do it in Europe as well.
“He has that opportunity now and whether you’re a player or a coach, sometimes you need someone to believe in you, look at what you’ve done in your career so far and give you that opportunity to move up a level.
“He has that now and when he flies to Europe he’ll not lose his coaching knowledge and expertise. It’s just a matter of taking it up and level and maybe working with better players, and he’s got the capability to do that.”
