The ability to be decisive is crucial for a centre-back. Glenn Loovens did not take long to make up his mind when Gordon Strachan came calling on transfer deadline day. �When Celtic came in, my mind was clear

The ability to be decisive is crucial for a centre-back. Glenn Loovens did not take long to make up his mind when Gordon Strachan came calling on transfer deadline day. "When Celtic came in, my mind was clear. It was a quick decision for me," said the 24-year-old of his move from Cardiff City to Celtic Park.

Loovens was brought up in a youth system at Feyenoord that produced contemporaries such as Robin van Persie and Salomon Kalou. It has instilled in the Dutchman a focus on precisely where he wants to go. "You want to play at the highest level. Celtic gave me that opportunity through the Champions League."

Loovens is almost certain to start against Aberdeen as Gary Caldwell is suspended. This will give the centre-back the chance to make his case for inclusion against Villarreal in Spain on Tuesday in the Group E Champions League match.

"It is up to me to show what I've got," he said, adding: "Hopefully, I will get a few minutes on Tuesday as well."

The prospect of taking on the Spaniards in El Madrigal does not perturb him. "That's why I wanted to leave Cardiff. I needed a new challenge.

Everything here is different. That keeps me sharp. I am ready for it," he said.

His verdict on his new club is simple. "It's amazing," he said. "I love the club. I like the city. I don't know about the weather," he said.

But he was aware of the football culture in Glasgow when at Cardiff. "I knew the rivalry was big. But I was surprised at the massive support Celtic have. I didn't think it was going to be that big.

Feyenoord is massive in Rotterdam but Celtic is more than only Glasgow, it's worldwide."

He has also been blooded in the Old Firm atmosphere, but only as a spectator. He watched the 4-2 defeat this season but had already sat in the main stand with Stephen McPhail, of Cardiff City, for a clash between the Glasgow rivals.

"It made a big impression on me," he said of the trip to Glasgow with McPhail and Robbie Fowler, who had a seat in an executive box.

However, Loovens wants to take the field rather than watch. "I want to play in every game but the Champions League is something special," he said. "I can't wait for it."

He may not have to much longer.