“I KNEW OF THE POLITICS BUT NOT THE MATCH ATMOSPHERE AT ST PAULI. IT’S LIKE A FESTIVAL EVERY WEEK!”

The Kiezkicker’s Aussie skipper discusses breaking through at Celtic, mixing it with Lionel Messi and why pink hair and moustaches are normal at St Pauli

- Interview Ed McCambridge

Born and raised in Melbourne, you joined Celtic’s academy as a teenager. How did that move happen?

A youth scout in Australia spotted me and arranged a trial that, to my surprise, ended in an offer for Celtic Under-19s. The move to Scotland was a big shock, and not just from a weather perspective. Back in Australia, as a kid, football wasn’t as huge as some sports. So to go from that to the melting pot of Glasgow and one of the Old Firm was pretty crazy. The passion, the rivalry, the fact that it’s like a religion to everybody there. I'd never experienced anything like that in my life up until that point.

You made a few outings for Scotland’s youth teams as your father was born there. Was it a tough choice to switch allegiances to Australia?

Iwas always proud of my Scottish roots. When I was young, I even used to try to copy my dad’s accent. Then, obviously, with living up there and playing for Celtic, that connection became even stronger.

When I got the opportunity to represent Scotland at youth level, it was something Iwas very keen to do, but I was really passionate about Australia as well. I was fortunate enough to be at the World Cup in 2006, as a fan, when we qualified for the first time in ages. That was a big turning point for football in our country. Ultimately, I think the goal was always to play for Australia.

You made one appearance for Celtic’s first team, a draw against Hibernian in September 2012. Describe what it’s like to make your debut at Celtic Park?