Expert issues ‘desperate’ Aaron Mooy claim after Celtic backlash
Noel Whelan has insisted Aaron Mooy will be “desperate to impress” at Celtic despite a mixed reaction to his arrival in Glasgow.
The former Leeds and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 31-year-old will look to use this move as a “platform” to stake his claim for a starting berth at the upcoming World Cup.
Celtic confirmed the signing of Mooy last week (19 July) – with the former Huddersfield and Brighton star signing a two-year deal at Parkhead.
The Australia international, whose arrival was met with a lukewarm reaction on social media, had been a free agent since playing his last game for Chinese club Shanghai Port in January.
Mooy, who made 96 Premier League appearances with Huddersfield and Brighton, has amassed 53 Socceroos caps thus far.
He can be utilised in defensive and attacking roles in the midfield – and has notched 44 club strikes in his career.
Whelan suggested Ange Postecoglou and Mooy will have a “trust and understanding” after their time together with the national team.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’ll be absolutely desperate to impress [ahead of the World Cup], for sure.
“He’s someone who did ever so well in the Premier League for Huddersfield and Brighton.
“Postecoglou is just looking to bring that experienced face in, someone he knows very well. He will know that Mooy can cope with the demands of the Scottish Premiership.
“They’ve got that trust and understanding – and that knowledge of the system.
“This move can give him a real platform to show his talents ahead of the World Cup. It makes complete sense.
“He can be a real voice on and off the pitch as well.”
In other news, Frank McAvennie tells 22-year-old to quit Celtic this summer after Sky update.