Braga boss Carlos Vicens has described Celtic outcast Jahmai Simpson-Pusey as a 'special' talent.
Vicens, who spoke to the media at Parkhead last night ahead of this evening's Europa League tie, worked with Simpson-Pusey at Manchester City.
The central defender joined the Bhoys on loan from the English Premier League giants in August but has yet to feature in green and white.
"He is a special boy," said Vicens. "I know him from a long time ago from Man City Academy, and obviously I wish him a very good time here at Celtic and a very brilliant future.
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"I think he has got a lot of talent, he has got the ability to play in different positions, he is an intelligent guy, and he just needs to work hard and be patient because the opportunity certainly will arrive for him and he needs to be ready to take it on and to do his best."
Simpson-Pusey isn't in Celtic's European squad, along with fellow summer recruits Hayato Inamura and Shin Yamada.
Brendan Rodgers was asked about the Japanese duo in his pre-Braga press conference: "The guys are just training," he said. "They are training hard and well, and if there is ever a spot that opens for them, then they will be in as fit a condition as they can possibly be.
"There are players in front of those guys, but they are good guys who are working hard. If the opportunity comes for them, then they'll have put themselves in a good space."
