Virgil Van Dijk's Celtic blueprint gives Gustaf Lagerbielke transfer 'inspiration' as bar set by Liverpool star

Gustaf Lagerbielke reckons he take inspiration from former Celtic star turned world-class defender Virgil Van Dijk.

And the young Swede will hope his Parkhead career turns out in the glittering fashion that the Liverpool captain's did, with a spell under Neil Lennon winning trophies in Glasgow eventually earning the Dutchman a big move to Southampton before his explosion on to the Anfield scene. New boy Lagerbielke has a long lineage, however, of stars from his homeland to follow with the likes of club heroes Mikael Lustig and icon Henrik Larsson coming before him. The 21-year-old comes in on a five-year deal as the Hoops' sixth summer signing in the same month Carl Starfelt left for Celta Vigo.

The former Elfsborg defender knows his history at Parkhead and believes the exploits of Van Dijk can prove to be the blueprint for how he goes about his business under Brendan Rodgers. Lagerbielke's £3million switch comes with big expectations, and he hopes to use the Liverpool colossus as a benchmark for exciting the Celtic fans when he gets his chance at Celtic Park.

He said: "I always described myself as a player that wants to win, does everything for the team, with both short and long range passes. Good in duelling and in the air and hopefully to score a few goals.

"Virgil Van Dijk has been here before so that's a huge inspiration. Also with how he is outside the pitch, a very professional player. He's keen on getting better all the time, with his leadership. He's a really good player, and with his Celtic history also. He was a great player for Celtic and he allowed good things, he's an inspiration."