Ange Postecoglou names 2 Celtic unsung heroes as he offers theory on one star's 'modest' assessment

When Aaron Mooy was Liel Abada’s age he was plying his trade at St Mirren. When he was as old as Jota or Matt O’Riley are now, he’d returned to Australia in a bid to reignite his career.

That’s why, after watching his young Celtic team-mates on the Champions League stage in midweek, he half-joked about not being as good as them as a youngster. But Ange Postecoglou is having none of that. When Mooy returns to Paisley today, 10 years after leaving the Buddies to sign for Western Sydney Wanderers, he’ll have Premier League, Champions League and World Cup experience behind him. Not bad for someone who says he wasn’t that good at 21.

Postecoglou knew exactly what he was getting when he signed the former Brighton and Huddersfield Town midfielder in the transfer window. He believes Mooy was just as talented as Celtic’s current crop - but just had to go on a different journey to realise his potential.

And at 31, he’s now using his experience to help nurture the likes of Abada and O’Riley at Parkhead. Postecoglou has used Mooy sparingly so far this season but with every appearance, his influence feels greater.

The manager is convinced that over the campaign - particularly after this international break - the Aussie will have a crucial part to play in any success Celtic have. Ahead of the clash with St Mirren this afternoon, Postecoglou responded to Mooy’s comments after the 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek.

He said: “Aaron is being more than a little bit modest there. To be fair to him, and this isn’t unusual for Australian footballers, he had to overcome hurdles as a young player.

“He came across to the UK at a young age and it was hard for him to break through. He had to go back to Australia to relaunch his career