Incoming Celtic signing Vasilios Barkas has the abilty to become one of the best keepers in Europe - according to Greek goalkeeping legend Nikos Sarganis.
Neil Lennon closing in on a £5million swoop for AEK Athens shotstopper Barkas, who is set to be No.1 for the Premiership champions as they kick off their quest for ten-in-a-row this weekend.
The 26-year-old has spent all his career in Greece, moving to AEK from Atromitos four years ago and Barkas has attracted strong interest from clubs in Italy and Spain during his time in Athens but appears set for Celtic.
And former Olympiacos and Panathinaikos keeper Sarganis, who won 58 caps for Greece, reckons Barkas is the best goalkeeper to come out of his homeland for years.
He said: "Vasilis is a keeper I like a lot. He's very stable and his reactions are sharp.
"He's also very good with his feet, which is important now for a goalkeeper. He's comfortable with both feet.
"He has a presence about him which relaxes his team mates and the AEK defenders. He comes for crosses and is good in the air and his handling technique is very good too
"I think he is very consistent and that is why he has attracted a lot of interest from teams in Italy in particular. I personally told him he should go abroad to improve his all-round game. He has the potential to be one of the better keepers in European football.
"He is a very good goalkeeper who has improved every year. He's established himself with his country and has saved AEK many, many points since he arrived.
"I can't recall him making many mistakes either.
"For me, Vasilis will be Greece's goalkeeper for many years in the future. He has the personality you need, the self-confidence and the respect of his team mates.
"Wherever he ends up, I know he will succeed."
