Marco Tilio has been tipped to become the latest Aussie smash hit at Celtic - by the man who helped turn him into a top team star at Melbourne City.
Former Morton mainstay John Maisano spent the last 12 months working with Tilio at the A-League big guns and transforming the youngster from a first team fringe player into one of the most highly sought after youngsters in the country. Tilio - who has picked up five caps with the Socceroos and was part of their World Cup squad in Qatar in December - is now expected to become Brendan Rodgers’ second signing of the summer following the capture of Norwegian youngster Odin Thiago Holm
And Maisano has already been in contact with the 21-year-old to wish him well in Scottish football as the final details of the deal have been thrashed out behind the scenes. Maisano, who is also leaving Melbourne this season to become assistant boss to Patrick Kisnorbo at French outfit Troyes, believes the youngster can go on to mach the impact made by countrymen such as Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Scott McDonald in Glasgow’s east end.
He told Record Sport: “He’s a good kid, comes from a good family and is a good person. I reached out to him the other day and told him that if he wanted to chat then I’m here for him because he now needs to get his head around Scottish football.
“I mean, there is no reason why he can’t deliver over there what he’s delivered here but obviously he needs to adapt. You know what, he’s such a good player he will adapt.
“Aaron Mooy is still there, Tommy Rogic was there not so long ago and Scotty McDonald made a huge impact. If you look at all these guys their attitude was probably the most important thing.
“They put their heads down, worked hard and reaped the rewards. There’s no reason why Marco can’t do that - no reason at all.”
Meanwhile, Tilio’s fellow target Yang Hyun-jun has reluctantly conceded he may have to wait until the winter to seal his dream move to Parkhead. And he’s vowed to act professionally and not sulk if the move doesn’t go through.
Returning Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers wants to sign the 21-year-old winger, but his club Gangwon FC don’t want to sell him now because they are embroiled in a relegation battle. His club are second bottom of the K-League after just two wins in 19 league games and Gungwon view him as too important to sell.
Yang has accepted he may have to stay in South Korea until the next transfer window. He said: “I will not change my mind about moving to Europe.
“But if I am blocked from making the move in this transfer market,I have to do my best for Gangwon FC and I will. I accept this and understand I will act professionally.”
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