Simunovic vows Celtic must handle the pressure

Deadline day signing Jozo Simunovic says Celtic have to learn how to handle the pressure if they are going to succeed.

Since his move from Dinamo Zagreb to the Hoops, appearances have been at a premium as the 21-year-old nursed an ankle injury he picked up after his debut.

His home debut at the weekend was impressive, albeit against Dundee United who are struggling and sit bottom of the league. But, there are signs he and Dedryck Boyata can form a formidable partnership in the heart of the Celtic defence.

Both Simunovic and Boyata impressed on Sunday and the former didn’t put a foot wrong all game, and also looked like he could be a threat from long-range.

The Croatian spoke to the media at the launch of the Celtic Foundation Christmas Appeal, as per the Daily Mail and said:

I cannot feel too much pressure.Put the money aside. For me, the transfer fee is not an issue.

Every team faces scrutiny and you have to learn how to handle this pressure.

I came here to play and I am going to contribute as much as I can to these next three games, especially.

I want to give my best. I don’t know about other players, I can only speak for me.

But we have good talks before the games and I don’t feel extra pressure. You can’t live like that.

It’s all in your head, so you clear your head and go for it.

Simunovic will hope to continue his run in the team, starting in the League Cup quarter-final against Hearts. He will also hope to make an impact against both Aberdeen and Molde at Paradise in what is a vital nine days for the Hoops.