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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Dariusz Dziekanowski tips Maik Nawrocki for Poland call-up after Celtic move

Former Celtic hero Dariusz Dziekanowski believes new Hoops defender Maik Nawrocki is set to win his first ever cap for Poland if he can shrug off his injury.

The central defender is facing a battle to be fit for the Old Firm showdown next week after picking up a recent knock.

Nawrocki, 22, has impressed since his £4.3 million move and Polish cult Celtic hero Dziekanowski believed he will soon earn his first caps for Fernando Santos' Poland team, who face a Euro 2024 double-header against the Faroe Islands and Albania next month.

He said: "If the Celtic manager picks him to play in every game, then, of course, he should be involved with our national team immediately.

"I admit I was surprised when he joined Celtic because he had only played for a short spell at Legia, but apparently Brendan Rodgers was very impressed with him and I have watched him in his league games and I thought he did well.

"Celtic are a big brand in Europe in Europe and the move gives Malik a chance to play in the Champions League.

"It is a challenge, but also an opportunity to show his skills because Scottish football opens a window to the world. Let's remember that many Celtic players have gone to even bigger clubs.

"He's a two-footed player, he can take the ball away from the goal as well as play the long ball. He is very good in the air, although he needs to improve when he is one-on-one against an attacker and be more decisive.

"We know Fernando Santos is always looking for solutions in defence and he will definitely be considering Malik for the next matches.

"For sure he will be on the preliminary list for the squad and although I don't want to say he should automatically get a call-up because he now plays for a big club, Santos has to take a close look at him."

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