Mikael Lustig believes that a return to his Rosenborg fitness programme has cured his injury problems.
The full-back will make his 50th appearance of the season tomorrow against Motherwell following two injury ravaged seasons when he seemed barely capable of completing back-to-back 90 minutes.
A double hip operation late in 2013 put the brakes on his Celtic career but as he looks forward to picking up his fifth league winners medal it’s more gym time that he has to thank for reviving his career.
“I went back exactly the way I was in Norway, like after games, being in the gym, things that I know work for my body,” Lustig explained.
“So, I’ve done that all season — so hopefully it stays good for me. I feel good approaching the Euros. It’s now one game for Celtic plus two friendlies for Sweden before the Euros start. The friendlies are against Slovenia and Wales, but for now my focus is on Sunday’s game against Motherwell.”
With the European Championships running on towards next season’s Champions League qualifiers Lustig and others will get no more than a week to ten days off duty.
The lack of a proper break could have contributed towards his injury problems but with the seasons almost merging together the Celtic defender is familiar with the routine.
“In a normal summer I would say you have three weeks,” Lustig added. “A lot of teams have has much as eight or nine. That is a big difference, especially here when you don’t get a break in the winter.
“It is, of course, tough for the body. It is not easy. The first couple of months of the season are so important for us and we need to be ready.
“In a perfect world you want to have a pre-season for four or five weeks, to build your whole body up for the season but at Celtic you have to start playing games right away. That is just how it is.
“The main thing for me this season is that I’ve stayed fit, playing games is why you play football.”