Mohamed Elyounoussi will ‘be a success’ at Celtic according to Southampton's former assistant boss Mark Bowen.

The 25-year-old completed a move to Parkhead on a season long-loan from Southampton in the summer and is already off to an impressive start.

His former club paid £16 million to bring him to the Premier League after an exciting season at Basel where he netted 13 goals in 41 appearances.

However, after a difficult debut season at the Saints where he never managed a single goal in 19 appearances, Elyounoussi joined the Hoops with hopes to rebuild his reputation – and he’s off to a good start.

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Elyounoussi scored his debut goal for Celtic in their Europa League clash with Cluj, where they beat the visitors 2-0 in a rematch after the club knocked them out of the Champions League.

His efforts so far for the Glasgow side have not gone unnoticed as Bowen, who managed Elyounoussi during Mark Hughes' reign at Southampton, insists he will be a success at the club.

He told the Sunday Mail: ““We paid a big fee to get him in at Southampton but, looking back, it was probably too soon for him in the Premier League.

“Also we weren’t playing particularly well at the time and that made it even tougher for Mo to settle.

“No disrespect to Celtic but they’ll be playing in games where they dominate possession. They’ll have loads of the ball.

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“So I’ve no doubts he’ll do well up there and be a real asset for Celtic.

“He was very highly rated when we signed him. He was linked with the likes of Arsenal at that time so we really pushed the boat out to get him.

“Ross was behind the signing and really rated him as well.

“But it was maybe just the wrong timing for him. Mo needs a lot of the ball to go and do what he does best.

“So it was difficult for him at Southampton when he first came in.

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“But this move will be good for him and he can be a success at Celtic.

“Even if it’s just for a season, this loan will help him.

“He might not have been ready for the Premier League at that time but, after a year at Celtic, I expect him to go back to Southampton and be far better prepared.

“That’s what this move can do. Southampton will be monitoring the situation at Celtic then it will be up to the lad himself.

“He has to convince them that he can do a good job for them but I’m sure he can because he’s an excellent boy and a top player.”