Derk Boerrigter can finally arrive as a Celtic player tonight in the most demanding of circumstances, according to a familiar face who has had some influence in his career.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink won two titles and also made his mark on the Champions League for Celtic with goals against Manchester United and Barcelona. However, he was also party to the early progress of Boerrigter as both were brought up in Oldenzaal and their careers followed similar paths.
Boerrigter has had a slow start to his Celtic career but scored his first goal in the 3-1 win over Aberdeen and Vennegoor of Hesselink feels the stage is set for his compatriot to shine against AC Milan. He said: "He can be a real threat. It's a test for him to show himself. I think sometimes that little bit of confidence from a goal can kick-start you. Sometimes you need a little bit of that to feel the confidence of your team-mates and feel the confidence of the crowd."
Boerrigter followed Vennegoor of Hesselink to Quick 20, then FC Twente, before moving from Ajax to Celtic, much in the way his mentor transferred from PSV Eindhoven in 2006. "I spoke to Derk's parents when I was at Twente," said Vennegoor of Hesselink. "He was about 12 or 13 and I remember giving Derk the Coerver tapes, which are coaching tapes in Holland. I spoke to Derk a few weeks ago. He likes Glasgow and the club but it's not been easy. He's been injured and he wants to get on the pitch, prove himself and hope everything falls together."
* Vennegoor of Hesselink was speaking on behalf of Magners at the Wellpark Brewery, where Celtic and AC Milan fans can enjoy a free mini tour of the facilities between 2.30pm and 6.30pm tomorrow.
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