Paradise Promise

Hatem Abd Elhamed is already enjoying life at Celtic and making a good impression with his early performances, and he believes that he will only get better as he gets fitter

- Paul Cuddihy

HATEM Abd Elhamed has already made a positive impressive in the short time he’s been at Celtic since joining from Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

The 28-year-old defender found himself part of the club’s Flag Day celebrations, giving him an early taste of what he hopes will be in store in the years ahead for him, and after the pre-match flag unfurling ceremony, the Israeli internationalist settled in for his competitive debut.

In the 51 minutes he was on the Celtic Park pitch, he impressed the home support with his contribution down the right flank, helping Neil Lennon’s side establish a 3-0 half-team lead over St Johnstone.

He only lasted six minutes of the second half before being withdrawn after suffering a dead leg, and had to watch from the sidelines as his new team-mates scored four more goals to run out 7-0 winners on the day.

However, he was delighted to shake off his injury and take his place in the starting XI when the Hoops lined up against CFR Cluj in Romania last week in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie.