Lesser spotted Celtic signing backed to become key star as Hoops hero sends verdict on ace he knows all about

The midfielder has not appeared for Martin O’Neill’s side since signing late in the summer transfer window from Eredivisie heavyweights PSV. Former Hoops defender Loovens, who was back in Glasgow last weekend to play for his ex-side as they won the rebooted Tennent’s Sixes, watched plenty of Van den Berg during his time back home.

He spotted a midfielder who could get up and down the pitch alongside ability to make a goalscoring impact. Aged 19, Loovens insists time will be needed to see the best of him, but there’s no doubts in his mind over the Dutchman’s potential to become a Celtic mainstay. Jordan Lotomba is also a player Loovens is aware of from watching Dutch football but the former defender insists a back-up role is more likely for the right-back signed from Feyenoord.

How will Joel Van Den Berg fare at Celtic?

He said: “I watched a lot of Van Den Berg for young PSV. He's a very good young talent. Real box-to-box player. He's got an eye for goal as well. For how young he is, he's already got a good physical size. You need to give him a bit of time because he's young but he will be a huge success for Celtic.

“They already put him to the first team last year. He made his debut and played another couple of games for PSV. So he's a big talent. He's young. He goes abroad. New surroundings. Everything is new. You need to give him a bit of time but he will be good for Celtic.

“Then the right back. He was second choice right back at Feyenoord. So I probably think they took him to widen the squad. Not so much to play. That's what I think. Because they have Alistair Johnston. When he's back fit, he'll be probably back number one again."

James Forrest is an experienced campaigner who remains at Celtic from Loovens’ four-year stay between 2008-2012 while Callum McGregor’s longevity in midfield could be of importance for someone like Van den Berg. The 43-year-old said: “As a young player, you always need guidance. From your senior players around you. So, of course, they will benefit as well to help him. Because, like I said, he will be a good player for Celtic."

Glenn Loovens on Celtic

Martin O’Neill’s side return to Premiership action away at Motherwell this Sunday under pressure. They have lost three consecutive matches, two losses versus Rangers sandwiching a Europa League mishap against Ferencvaros, while performance concerns linger. Loovens knows what defeats, particularly versus their rivals, means at Parkhead but keeping calm amid the noise is key.

He added: "If possible I try to watch them. There's always a little bit of panic when you lose a couple of games on the bounce, which is normal. Especially against the big rivals of course. I have faith that they will turn it around and they have enough quality in the squad to get things going."

"I'm not sure we ever lost three or four on the bounce. In these times you have to stick together. That's the only way. Work hard. Go back to the basics. The quality they have. If you sort these things out, the quality will shine again."

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