Liel Abada was thrilled to land the PFA Young Player of the Year award – but he’s out to add the Premiership title to complete a dream season.
The Celtic youngster was part of a Parkhead clean sweep at Sunday’s prize bash with Ange Postecoglou and skipper Callum McGregor being named manager and player of the year.
Abada admitted his debut campaign could not have gone better but he’s determined to fire the Hoops over the finishing line this month to claim the big prize.
The 20-year-old Israel star said: “I have a lot of dreams. We need to complete our goal. We want to win the league and that is what our focus is on right now. All my focus is on Celtic right now.”
Abada has scored 15 goals and provided another 11 assists in a stunning first season in Scotland.
The PFA gong was a sweet feeling but he dedicated his prize to his Parkhead pals and punters.
Abada said: “It’s a great moment for me. This is only my first season at Celtic and I am very happy to be here.
“I would like to say thank you for everybody’s support. Could I have imagined my first season would go as well as this? I just wanted to do the best I could for the team, for the fans, for everyone and for myself as well.
“I am really happy and all the players and fans and coaches have given me the confidence to perform.
“Nir Bitton also helped me a lot after I came to Scotland. That was good for me. I’m just really happy.”
Abada also hailed boss Postecoglou for having the faith to throw him straight into the heat of a Hoops title push following his £3.4million summer switch from Maccabi Petah Tikva.
He said: “The manager has been really very good for me. He has also given me confidence.
“I came here but I am just young and I really want to improve and he has given me the platform to do that.
“He has put his trust in me but all the players and fans and coaches have given me great confidence. I am really happy about that and I would like to thank them all.
“Now I am focusing on doing my best for the team, the fans, everyone.”
Meanwhile, the work being done by prize guy Postecoglou has been recognised by legendary Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich as the Hoops close in on the title.
All eyes Down Under are on the man who led the Socceroos to consecutive World Cups and secured Asian Cup glory back in 2015.
And Sunday’s draw with Rangers leaves Celtic on the cusp of title glory only one year after finishing 25 points behind their biggest rivals.
Bosnich admits that he’s not surprised over the success enjoyed by the league leaders this season under a man he knows better than most.
The former Manchester United keeper told AK Media: “It would be a superb achievement. He’s illuminating a pathway for young Australian coaches.
“I got to know Ange really well sitting next to him for nearly four years when we worked at Fox Sports together.
“Knowing the style of football he plays, his approach to football, it will be a fantastic achievement.
“When he first came there and there were so many doubters, I think that inspired him more. It’s understandable, especially people from Europe.”
Bosnich admits fans of the beautiful game remain avid followers of a manager who thrilled punters both at club and international level over the years.
He added: “He’ll definitely be on the front foot – he’s a winner with a capital W.
“The thing that really endeared him to Australian football fans was the style of football he played.
“The style of football he plays allows fans to be very proud of their team. That’s wherever he has gone.”
Bosnich experienced a host of big games during his own career including a spell working under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
And the keeper-turned-pundit reckons Postecoglou’s calm demeanour will prove a key factor as Celtic aim to get over the Premiership line in the coming weeks.
He said: “I have been in dressing rooms before where because of nerves people might be physically sick.
“Everyone takes it different. Dwight Yorke was one of the most laid-back people before games. I was told just to embrace it.
“It’s down to the manager to create, as best as he can, the environment then it’s up to the players.
“The biggest thing for Ange is to keep a lid on things. It’s a wonderful opportunity, yes. You have to be prepared for every scenario.”
