JOHN KENNEDY, the Celtic first-team coach, believes Virgil van Dijk has the potential to eventually sign for an elite European club but warned the Dutchman that leaving too soon could "stall his development".
Van Dijk told a Dutch radio station earlier in the week that he would consider a transfer away from Celtic this summer, with a host of English clubs including Arsenal, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur all thought to be monitoring the situation.
Kennedy, a fellow central defender, declared himself a huge admirer of van Dijk's and believes he will eventually be able to sign for any club he likes. The Scot, though, urged the 23 year-old to bide his time and not leave Celtic before he is ready.
"Virgil with his skill and potential can play for any team in the world," said Kennedy. "But it comes down to that phrase "one day". Players sometimes get their head turned too quickly and it stalls their development.
"He's in a good place right now and we want to compete in the Champions League next year. For him to have that, and be at a club where he and his family are happy, is an important factor.
"He has to have it as an end goal but he has to remember what he has to do and the steps it takes to get there. This year he has realised that to be a top player he needs to work on certain things.
"From day one till now he has improved a hell of a lot. He was a very good player and has taken it up a level again. But it's important he is in a place where he can keep doing that until the point comes where he takes that big step. He has more than enough ability to go and do that."
Kennedy revealed manager Ronnie Deila is not expecting to lose van Dijk in the summer. He added: "Virgil is not one we are looking actively to replace. John Park has a team of scouts in place who do a lot of work behind the scenes and have players there if need be.
"But Virgil is in a good place right now and while we can't stop speculation he's happy right now. I think if he reflects on his season he's improved a lot as a player. He can improve further. Virgil is our player and we're happy we have him on a two-year contract. We don't need to sell him or move him on."
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