Simunovic speaks about how Dubai trip will help Celtic

Jozo Simunovic is relishing the chance to clinch another league title, as well as being in the hunt for the treble as Celtic gear up for the second half of the season in Dubai.

The Croatian joined up with the rest of the first-team in the Middle East, where they will train during the winter break and spoke of his side’s achievements so far, as well as his own performances.

Speaking to Celtic TV, the centre-back said:

I’m feeling fresh and very well after a good half of the season, and the rest of the boys are the same and we are all excited about the next part of the campaign.

I had a nice time off. I spent some time with my family back home in Zagreb but it was good see the boys again today.

We will have an easier training session today but tomorrow we will get down to more serious work and we are looking forward it.

I have been back playing since the injury and the false transfer and that’s all behind me. I am just looking forward. I was very happy with the first half of the season and I believe I can do even better in the next part of the season.

When I was injured it was a hard time for me but, as I said, it’s behind me. I worked very hard when I was injured so I could play and I started to play very well but you can always do better and I am just looking ahead. I am very happy.

Joining the Hoops in 2015 from Dinamo Zagreb, Simunovic suffered a serious knee injury which would rule him out for a significant amount of time after making 17 appearances under Ronny Deila.

However, the defender has had a fantastic start to life under manager Brendan Rodgers, becoming a predominant figure in defence alongside Erik Sviatchenko, and wants to perform even better after the winter break.

Since recovering from surgery, he has become a key player within the team, and has helped Rodgers’ side go unbeaten domestically as well as going 19 points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.