The defender came close to leaving the Scottish Premiership side in the summer.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action
Craig Gordon has heaped praise on Celtic teammate Jozo Simunovic and predicted that the centre-back will soon cement his place in the Hoops team, The Scottish Sun reports.
The 22-year-old had enjoyed a mixed first season at Parkhead. While his performances were impressive, he was frequently stuck on the sidelines as he struggled to shake off injuries.
Celtic’s Craig Gordon
And that inability to stay fit may well have been a reason why the defender was allowed to close in on a move to Torino in the latter stages of the summer window (via Sky Sports).
But with the move ultimately falling through, Gordon has suggested how pleased he is that the Croatian is still with the Scottish Premiership side, and backed him to prove any of his doubters wrong in the future.
“I really like Jozo. He’s a great defender, really strong and aggressive,” he said, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
“He’s good on the ball too, he likes to come out and pass, and move us forward.
“I’m sure Jozo will go from strength to strength and I can see him making one of those centre-half spots his own.”
Since his return from his latest injury, he has made three appearances for the Bhoys, including two starts. And during the time that he has been on the pitch, Brendan Rodgers’ men have conceded just two goals, including the stunning strike from Souleymane Coulibaly when Kilmarnock visited the champions at the weekend.
And if he can now maintain his fitness, it seems likely that he will quickly establish himself as a key man for the club as they attempt to battle on several fronts, and his summer exit falling through will begin to look more and more like a blessing.
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