Sebastian Tounekti has credited Shaun Maloney's mentorship for his resurgence at Celtic, after marking his first start of the season with a goal and an assist in Saturday's 4-0 victory at Tannadice. The Tunisian winger, who joined for £5 million last year, struggled with just eight goal contributions in his debut campaign but now feels ready to deliver.
Maloney's influence
Tounekti, 24, has been working closely with Maloney at Lennoxtown, where the former Celtic winger has taken him under his wing. Maloney, who broke through at Celtic in 2001 and became one of Scotland's best players, is now passing on his wisdom to the club's attacking talent.
“I think we had a good chat before I went to the World Cup. We spoke together, especially with Shaun, in pre-season,” Tounekti said. “I promised him that I would do my work when we are off the pitch, that I would still be in training and to work on because I know it could be a huge season with the Champions League and the league and everything. For me, it was just to be ready.”
“How big an influence has Shaun been? Huge, huge to be honest. I speak to him a lot,” he added. “I think Shaun just tries to give me the freedom. Also, I feel that I get the freedom from Shaun, Fozzy, the gaffer and everyone to play the way I play.”
Competition for places
Despite Maloney's support, Tounekti knows he must earn his place. Celtic have invested £23 million in a new strike force, and the arrival of £6 million debutant Haissem Hassan has intensified competition. Tounekti was replaced by Hassan after his goal and assist in Tayside.
“I know that to play for this club is huge. Especially now, we've got so many players with high quality,” he said. “To me, I just have to take the chances when I get them. I've always been confident that I can help the team to win games and to produce goals and assists. For me, it's a nice start.”
“I think it's important in a huge club like we are to have players with the quality we have. To me, it's a boost to have those players also that you have to work hard to earn your space. That I will do. I will not complain or do anything. I know it's up to me. If I perform, it's a spot.”
Ready for the biggest stage
Tounekti believes he has adapted to the physical demands of Scottish football after a year of development. “I think it's a physical league and I think the league is intensive. I think people don't speak enough about it. I think the intensity is really high in this league,” he said.
With Yang struggling, Tounekti is expected to start against LASK in Wednesday's Champions League play-off first leg. After representing Tunisia at the World Cup, he is eager to prove himself on the European stage. “Yes, the result was not the best, of course, but the experience was really amazing,” he said. “To be able to play in the World Cup, it's big. I'm happy that I could represent my country in that. Now I'm just really looking forward with Celtic. I think we have so many cool games to play. I'm just happy to be out there.”
