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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Walker

Celtic Champions League rivals Nomme Kalju sign Max Mata to boost injury-hit squad

Nomme Kalju have signed New Zealand Under 20s striker Max Mata on loan from Grasshoppers Zurich ahead of their Champions League match with Celtic.

Neil Lennon's side face a second qualifying round tie against the Estonian outfit next week.

And Kalju have moved to strengthen ahead of the tie by bringing in 19-year-old Mata, who played for the Kiwis in the Under 20s World Cup in Poland this summer.

Mata said: "I'm happy about joining the team. Everything happened very quickly, I only learned about my arrival two days ago, so I haven't had much time to look into the club and the team.

"But I know Nomme Kalju has been successful in recent seasons and have a big draw in the Champions League qualifying rounds.

"I am not too familiar with Estonian football and I didn't know too much about the club before joining. However, I've done a little homework and it's all very positive."

Kalju President Kuno Tehva said: "We are in serious trouble with injuries, although hopefully, some players will be fit for the next match against Celtic.

"There is a drought of Estonian players who could play at this level and that's why we have looked for extra strength from abroad."

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