Celtic fans will be rewarded for their patience when it comes to new signing Patryk Klimala, according to Jagiellonia Białystok defender Bodvar Bodvarsson.
The Iceland international has watched Klimala develop into one of Poland's rising stars but has nothing but respect for the 21-year-old and his decision to move to Glasgow.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon looks to have got his man who will sign a four-and-a-half-year deal at Parkhead and Bodvarsson - who has a Scottish agent himself in Cesare Marchetti - is sure his former teammate will be a success in the Scottish Premiership.
Seven goals in 17 Ekstraklasa matches this season for Klimala has proven his goal-scoring credentials. But the Scottish leagues are a bit more physical than, perhaps, he is used to. That's why Bodvarsson has urged supporters to bide their time and allow for teething problems in the early stages.
Do that, Bodvarsson says, and Celtic fans will have a new favourite who will score goals and run himself into the ground for his team. "I'm really happy for him because he's worked really hard to get to a massive club like Celtic," Bodvarsson said. "So I can't say anything other than that I'm pleased for him. Obviously it could be better for us.
"Of course it's not good for us to lose him but we've come through this sort of thing before with other players leaving. Usually, other players step-up and hopefully, that will be the case again. But losing a player of his calibre and potential will be tough.
"I think it's always important at any new club to give yourself time to adapt. If I were a Celtic fan I would give Patryk some time because he needs a chance to get used to a new coach, new teammates and the physical aspect of the league and everything like that.
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"If there is patience, he will do well but hopefully he can do well straight away."
Stylistically, Bodvarsson stopped short of comparing his friend to any other top player. What he did say, though, was that Celtic could be a platform for Klimala to shine and fire himself onto the international stage alongside Polish big-hitters Robert Lewandowski and fellow attacker Arkadiusz Milik who plays club football at Napoli.
"Since I've been here with him for one-year-and-a-half, he's developed every month," Bodvarsson added. "If he continues to do that at Celtic, which I have no doubt he will, he'll become an excellent player. He's got a lot of potential obviously, he wouldn't have all these clubs chasing him.
"There's a reason clubs are investing in young Polish strikers like Robert Lewandowski and Milik. In my opinion, if Patryk continues to develop the way he has for the past 18 months, there's no doubt in my mind that he can go and become part of the Polish national team in the near future. Celtic is a good club to fight for that place."
Klimala is not a player to shirk responsibility and will work hard for Celtic. The frontman has already expressed his desire to be a starter for his new club every week.
Ousting new pal Odsonne Edouard from the starting XI is set to be an extremely difficult task given the Frenchman's impact and skillset. He has netted 17 goals in 31 club games this season for the Hoops while also smashing in 11 international goals for the France under-21s in just six matches.
Polish reports claim Celtic on verge of completing £3.5 million capture of striker Patryk Klimala
Manager Lennon could be interested in playing both strikers in a new set-up which may suit their styles. And Bodvarsson outlined Klimala's main attributes that will see him push his new teammates for their spot.
"[Patryk] is a hard worker on the pitch and runs a lot for the team. He's quick and, defensively, he's good at pressuring. He's fast and strong as well and, as I can imagine the Scottish leagues are a bit physical, he will be up for that. He's good at picking his runs in the lanes and good in the box. I have no doubts he can be a success at Celtic."
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