Defender looking to recapture pre injury form

Emilio Izaguirre has revealed that it’s taken him two years to get fully over a broken ankle.

The full-back suffered a serious ankle break at Aberdeen in August 2011 shortly after sweeping the boards with Player of the Year awards after his first season in Scotland.

That season was almost a right-off for the Honduran with the old Izaguirre only seen in patches last season.

As he approaches his fourth season at Celtic the defender is hoping to finally rediscover the thrilling form of his opening season at the club.

“I need to get back to the way I played in my first season at Celtic,” he admitted as he prepared for the new season in Germany.

“I was so happy to win the Player of the Year award in 2011, and I’m working hard every day to get back to that level again.

“The injury I had was very difficult for me. After I had the operation I cried every day for a month.

“I had great support from my my wife and son, but in my head I found it so difficult because football is my life.

“It was very tough. I like to work hard and play hard and enjoy my football.

“I tried my best when I came back and played last season, but I hope I will show my recovery is complete this season.

“I need to show my injury is in the past and I’m looking forward to what is coming next for me.”

Izzy added: “I believe I can get back to the level I reached when I was named the best player in Scotland.

“I want to get back to the Emilio everyone saw in my first season at Celtic, and I will work very hard every day to do that.

“I desperately want to play in the Champions League. I want to help the team get through the qualification games and reach the group stages.

“Celtic did so well in Europe last season and we need that again.”