UNDER STARTER'S ORDERS

Hatem Elhamed is delighted to be back playing and is looking forward to the games coming thick and fast for Celtic

- TONY CONNELLY

HATEM Elhamed was delighted to make his first competitive start of 2020 for Celtic in last week’s UEFA Champions League qualifier against KR Reykjavik.

Now, having helped the team to a comprehensive 6-0 win and a place in the second qualifying round, the defender is aiming for further first-team involvement and helping the Hoops continue their European progress, which continues tonight (Wednesday) with a home tie against Hungarian side Fernecvaros.

It was actually on the European stage that Elhamed enjoyed his last start, when he played in the historic 2-1 win over Lazio in Rome. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury that night which derailed what had been an impressive start to his Celtic career.

After working his way back to fitness, the 29-year-old came on as a late second-half substitute in Celtic’s 5-0 win against St Mirren in March. As fate would have it, that game would be the Celtic’s last of the 2019/20 season.

Not one to dwell on the personal frustrations of last season, the Israeli internationalist is excited to be back playing football again. After spending his first pre-season with Celtic, the Hoops defender has been eased back into competitive football with two substitute appearances in the league and his first start.