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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

Liel Abada in clear Celtic transfer message as he reveals Joe Hart kindness that sticks with him

Breakout Celtic star Liel Abada insists he has no interest in speculation over his future after a year to remember.

The 20-year-old netted 15 goals in his debut season, as his eye for goal proved vital en route to the double under Ange Postecoglou.

Abada was a £3.5m arrival from Maccabi Petah Tikva and hit the ground running with a strike on his debut against Midtjylland.

That form has led to admiring glances but the Israel international has his eyes firmly fixed on Parkhead ahead of a return to the Champions League.

Speaking to YNet, he said: "I'm only dealing with Celtic right now. I'm good here, I love the players, the crowd and the team.

"I get a sense of home and all my focus is here. In the future? I cannot know what will happen and it's not right to talk about it."

Abada believes the family nature of the dressing room has been vital to the success he enjoyed in his first season and Scotland.

And he revealed Joe Hart played the role of big brother by helping him out when asked to share his views in his second language.

He added: "At the end of one of the games they wanted to interview me and I said I did not feel comfortable enough with the language.

"So Joe came and told them he would do it in my place. He is a good friend of mine, a player who has made an amazing career with lots of titles. He is a role model for me."

And now all eyes turn to a seat at the richest table in European football but Abada insists Celtic must make sure they are ready to mix it with the world's best.

He said: "It's a childhood dream. It's going to be a very challenging season."

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