Patience needed with Celtic’s new Bhoy Joel Mvuka

Mvuka arrived at Celtic on deadline day with his £3m transfer from French side Lorient converting to a loan with an option to buy in the summer deal for the Scottish Champions after some issues with the player’s medical.

On deadline day Martin O’Neill had this to say about Mvuka: “Joel is a talented player who has a very good level of experience achieved at some really good clubs.

“He will give the squad another option, he is very quick, able to play on both wings and I am sure he will make a very positive contribution to the club.

“I know he is very excited about joining Celtic and we are hoping he can make a great impact for us.”

And the manager opted to introduce Mvuka first into the side at the weekend as Celtic eventually got the job done in extra-time to set up a quarter final tie agains theRangers at Ibrox early next month.

Asked about Joel Mvuka’s quick fire debut at the weekend, Martin O’Neill was happy enough with his first 45 minutes in the Hoops an explained why he made the change at the interval.

“I wasn’t displeased,” the Celtic manager said. “I just wanted to change things because we needed a goal. In time, he will be fine as long as he keeps going after losing the ball.

“It was tough for him. He had just arrived. He is quick, and he shouldn’t lose confidence if he tries to dribble a couple of times and it doesn’t come off.

“I know this from my own experience – keep at it. He was then too quick to cross one in when he should have gone at the defender again. In time, I am confident he will do that.”

Joel Mvuka is likely to be on the bench this evening as Celtic take on Livingston in what really is a must win match for the Champions who are now nine points adrift of Hearts who have played two games more.