Maik Nawrocki has been backed to continue his Celtic re-emergence by his old manager, Kosta Runjaic.
The central defender played under the 53-year-old at Legia Warszawa before his move to Parkhead in the summer of 2023.
Nawrocki won a league title under Runjaic's stewardship and was a key figure at the back.
His performances prompted interest from Celtic although so far, his switch to Glasgow's east end hasn't gone to plan.
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Nawrocki proved to be a fringe player last season, and once more again this campaign.
He was thrust into Celtic's game against Rangers a week and a half ago, however, following injuries to Auston Trusty and Liam Scales.
Despite a 3-2 loss for Brendan Rodgers' men, Nawrocki coped amicably, and Runjaic reckons he can still improve in green and white: "Celtic is a top-level club," he said (SunSport).
"Maybe the move was too fast for him, I don’t know. But Maik is a boy with good character and with his qualities he can still do well."
Runjaic felt the 24-year-old had all the attributes to prove himself at a higher standard after his stint with Legia: "At that time, I always tried to prepare the players for the next level," he said.
"I talked to him and I think that was a challenge, to improve his physicality.
"I thought he had to be more aggressive, more focused.
"But Maik always worked hard.
"I thought he was well prepared for the next level.
"He is a good, technical player. He passes the ball well, he is good with his head in defence and offence, which makes him dangerous for opponents.
"I also thought he had good, solid speed.
"All in all, Maik was a very important player for that Legia team."
