Ismaila Soro has revealed he models his game on Chelsea superstar N’Golo Kante – and he would love a crack at his idol in the Europa League.
The Celtic recruit has told Parkhead punters he takes no prisoners and predicted fireworks if he ever got the chance to square up with the France legend.
Midfielder Soro, who penned a four-and-a-half year deal after his £2million move from Bnei Yehunda, said: “I wouldn’t say the fans should expect the same level of player – but they will see the same type of player as Kante.
“To me he is the model. He’s a player who never lets go, he has that never-say-die attitude I love.
“I watched every single match he plays. Kante’s aggression, the way he plays, watching how he moves around the park is how I prepare for my games.
“I’ve never met him but if I every did I would tell him, ‘The way you work, man, this is it!’
“If I was every to play against him? Wow. Who knows, maybe it is possible in Europe. That would be a dream come true. If I was up against him, it’s going to be hot!
“The manager said I was a little bull and he must have seen some of my games. When I play it’s not for fun. I am not playing games. I am aggressive, I give everything and play with all of my heart.
“I go for it – I don’t take any prisoners.”
Soro was relieved to finally get unveiled at Celtic after sleepless nights waiting for his medical and work permit red tape being untangled.
He said: “It took a bit of time to get everything finalised back in Israel.
“But I am now really happy to be here. Celtic is a huge club so it’s a big thing for me to come here.
“The last week has not been easy, waiting on everything to be completed. It was nerve-racking and stressful because even though I knew everything was in place and I wanted the move to happen, there was still a question mark over everything.
“I didn’t sleep at all on Monday night before coming to Scotland! This is a big thing for me.”
Hoops boss Neil Lennon will give Soro time to find his feet in Scotland but he expects the 21-year-old to make an impact this term.
He said: “He trained today and it was nice to see him in among the lads. He looks fine physically. He might need a bit of conditioning but he’s not far away.
“As the season progresses, given the number of games we have, there’s every chance he’ll get games. We’ll see how he integrates with the rest of the squad and how he copes with the different training regime.
“Patryk Klimala could also figure as we go forward. I don’t think either of them will need much to get up to speed.”
Soro is set to compete with Scott Brown for a midfield berth but said: “I am definitely going to learn from him. It also gives you a goal, something to aim for, because you have this player who has been there and done it. He is a great player.”
