Sviatchenko details his admiration for Toure

Erik Sviatchenko has revealed his admiration for summer signing Kolo Toure, who has brought a sense of calm to the Celtic defence.

Playing alongside the 35-year-old Ivorian on a weekly basis in the heart of the Celtic defence will help develop his own game for the future as one of the club’s top defenders.

The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender and two-time Premier League winner has been a tremendous acquisition by Brendan Rodgers.

Speaking to the Glasgow Evening Times about Toure, the Danish international said:

We meet up in the gym every morning. Even though he’s 35 and I’m 24, he treats his body like a temple.

He has been playing for so many years and I have 11 years to go to get to his age. So I’m getting tips from him, I’m asking him what he’s doing to be so fit and in such good shape.

I’m joking a bit, but I’m also serious in it as well. Kolo always approaches things in football seriously.

That’s why he chose Celtic as a next step. He could’ve gone everywhere with the CV he has. But he chose Celtic, to win games, to be even better.

I see similarities in the way that we want to play. But again, if you see how we are…I think he is much more physical than I am.

Facing the defenders this Saturday is the newly promoted side Rangers, who the Hoops lost out to last season in the Scottish Cup semi-final on penalties.

However, Celtic have already opened up a one point lead and have a game in hand over their nearest challengers already.

Under the guidance of Rodgers, they have already found the net 10 times in three league games and will look to continue that impressive run this Saturday before travelling to Barcelona for their Champions league group stage opener.