Eboue Kouassi has opened up on his complicated first year at Celtic.
The midfielder was Brendan Rodgers’ only signing last January but has found his opportunities limited.
After getting his work permit Kouassi was struck down by Malaria as the African teenager attempted to settle in Glasgow after making his mark in the Russian league with Krasnodar.
With so many options in midfield Kouassi has had to be patient to get his chance but a sublime pass for Leigh Griffiths to score against Kilmarnock hinted at the talent Rodgers identified.
As he approaches the final weeks of the year the 19-year-old is looking forward to getting his Celtic career properly underway.
“It has been 11 complicated months, I did not really expect it, but football is unpredictable,” Kouassi told The Sun.
“First, I arrived in Glasgow weakened by malaria, then I had some physical glitches which also slowed down my integration into a new group, a new country, a new way of playing football, and a new language.
“These things are part of life. It is in these moments that one relies on their relatives to keep them going. I will not hide that it was very difficult for me at first, in terms of integration and adaptation to the lifestyle.
“It took me some time to find my bearings in terms of food, entertainment, or social life in general but now it’s much better and I am more content with the atmosphere here.
“The injuries were also very difficult for me. I am young, I had rarely experienced injuries before.
“Unfortunately, that’s part of our job. But believe me, it’s very difficult mentally, especially as you are not available and capable to play for the team.
“I want to play every game and show my potential. When this kind of thing happens to you, you are disappointed, but you must always work to come back stronger.”
Kouassi is likely to be on the bench tomorrow as Celtic travel to Ross County looking to extend their 63 match unbeaten domestic record.
While most of his team-mates have been away on international duty the young midfielder has been working out at Lennoxtown.