Reo Hatate admits Celtic dazzled by Luka Modric as he's lost for words over Real Madrid midfield master

There are not many players who get a standing ovation from Celtic Park after inflicting so much suffering. But, then again, there are not many players like Luka Modric.

Hoops fans know when they’ve been treated to something special and they responded the other night by elevating the little Croatian magician into rare company. There’s only a select few rival players who have been saluted by the Celtic faithful but perhaps Real Madrid 's Modric is the least surprising.

Alfredo De Stefano loved his reception in these parts in 1962 he invited Celts over for his testimonial five years late. Barcelona legend Andreas Iniesta got the claps from the home crowd as did AC Milan’s Kaka a few years earlier. Back in 1995 a Youri Djorkaeff-inspired PSG – before the Qatari millions were ploughed in – were applauded off the pitch after a 3-0 win. It was likewise the other night when Modric departed the scene after his masterclass against Ange Postecoglou's men and it was hardly a shock.

Parkhead loves a pint sized playmaker. "Special atmosphere. Thank you Celtic Park," Modric Tweeted afterwards. Hoops fans were grudgingly grateful too as they'd watched one of the best.

Modric might have been reared in Zadar in the north of Croatia but he has the appearance of a lad who honed his skills in Springburn in the sixties. Half the height of Joe Hart, he looks like he needs a safety pin to hold up his shorts and his left foot is only much use for standing on.

Aye, but what about that right peg? The blooming thing could conduct an orchestra while breaking in to a bank. No wonder Reo Hatate admitted he was left almost speechless by the wee man’s skills.

The trick is now to learn from the experience of facing the little sorcerer up close.