Gavin Rae has tipped ‘marvellous’ Marco Tilio to be a smash-hit at Celtic.
Rae is a big fan of 21-year-old old winger Tilio, who has signed a five-year deal to become Brendan Rodgers’ second summer signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou at Parkhead.
Tilio has joined from A-League champions Melbourne City for a fee of around £1.5million, following in the footsteps of fellow Australia internationals Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy.
And former Scotland international Rae, who has lived Down Under since 2014, is convinced Tilio can become a cult hero among the Celtic faithful.
Rae, who had a spell as manager of Aussie outfit Hakoah Sydney City East, said: “It’s a signing with lots of potential. Tilio could turn out to be a marvellous player for Celtic.
“From having watched him across here, I know Celtic will enjoy his style of play for sure.
“He’s a tricky winger who thrives on assists and chipping in with goals.
“The fans will love that about him. He will definitely suit how they play.
“He’s fast - maybe not as fast as another winger like Abada - but he’s still very sharp.
“Personally, I think he will do really well once he settles in although it is a big jump to play week-to-week at a club the size of Celtic.”
Rae knows Tilio has been earmarked for big things for his country and believes his move to Scotland will only enhance his international aspirations.
He added: “He’s very highly regarded across here by everyone.
“He’s viewed as one that could potentially be one of the big players for Australia in the future.
“I coached against him some years ago when he was still at Sydney FC in the youths. But you could still see the potential then.
“Moving to Scotland will be good for his development. It can bring out the best in him.”
