COLIN Kazim Richards can make his mark in British football, even if by the end Feyenoord were happy to get rid of him. That is the opinion of Bert Konterman, the former Rangers defender, who watched the 29-year-old Turkish international striker closely during his time at his former club. Kazim Richards was suspended by the Rotterdam club in January for threatening a journalist, and has blazed a trail through some of the continent's top clubs, but Konterman believes he will be a success at Parkhead so long as someone reminds him of the ground rules.
“Richards is certainly a personality," said Konterman, speaking on behalf of William Hill, proud sponsors of the Scottish Cup. "He is full of tattoos and when he comes on the pitch there were always things happening. The Feyenoord fans loved him as he was always causing fights and emotion on the pitch, especially when the team was in a difficult stage in the game.
“He did that a few times but he also exaggerated things a few times. He would pick up a red card on the pitch and off the pitch he would do strange things around football. I think Feyenoord are happy he is now gone.
“I believe that deep in his heart he’s a good guy but someone need to tell him that this is the square you work in and here are the rules. He needs to do his job every day and then he will be helping the team.
Kazim Richards made his debut in the 2-1 defeat against Aberdeen, but Konterman believes there is more to come. “He’s a power player, he’s a finisher and I believe he can do a good job in Britain," said Konterman, now a youth coach at FC Twente. "He’s not technical or skilful, he’s a hard worker who uses his body, fights and finishes."
At 29, assuming there are no off-field scrapes, Konterman believes Kazim Richards could even prove a role model for what is mainly an inexperienced Celtic team.
“He will have enough people around him to guide him in Glasgow," said Konterman. "He has to focus first on his family and he’s been talking about his wife and his kids. If he’s focusing on them and going to Celtic every day with a good attitude then he can help Celtic. The club need to tell him what can happen in the city centre and what football life is like in Glasgow. If they can help him and advise him then he can be good.
“Scottish football lacks personalities these days but it’s the same in Holland. All of the young players need good examples to play with and they need to look and learn about what to do in training and in matches. Kenny Miller is a great example, he’s looking fit, he’s played for Scotland and abroad and is a good example to follow and see what you need to do to achieve something."
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