Michel-Ange Balikwisha on his crucial conversation with Brendan Rodgers

The 24-year-old winger completed his transfer from Royal Antwerp in August, bringing an end to a year-long period of speculation linking him with a move to the Hoops.

Although his early progress was hindered by the instant impact of fellow summer signing and left-winger Sebastian Tounekti, Balikwisha expressed gratitude to his manager for maintaining faith in him as he strives to secure a regular role with the Scottish champions.

Speaking via Celtic TV, Balikwisha said: “As the gaffer said, it was not easy at the beginning. I was staying in the hotel, but today everything is sorted. It is time for me to show what I am capable of. The staff and my teammates helped me a lot during that time.”

“He (Rodgers) spoke to me and told me to be myself because that is why Celtic came to get me. After this discussion, I played as I used to play in Belgium, and I started to feel better and more confident.

“I am training hard every day, the sessions are more intense here than where I came from, so I had to adapt. Now everything is fine, and I hope it continues every day to help the team.”

While Balikwisha has already contributed two assists, he is still waiting to open his goal account for Celtic.

The former Belgium U21 international remains determined to find the net, revealing that he’s visualising his first goal in Celtic colours as he continues to chase that first goal.

“Of course, I am already picturing myself scoring that goal, as every forward would, I imagine,” he said. “I can’t wait for it to happen. I know my teammates will help me. I don’t know how I will react yet, but I will be celebrating with them, my small family, my kids, my wife and the fans.”

There’s a teaser video of the Celtic TV interview on YouTube (see below) with the full interview available on Celtic TV and available to subscribers…

Conor Spence

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