Glenn Loovens believes he is now proving he can feature in the Celtic first team.
Defender happy to prove a point in first-team
Celtic defender Glenn Loovens believes he is now proving he can feature in the first-team plans of manager Gordon Strachan.
The former Cardiff defender swapped Wales for Scotland last August but struggled to force a place in the Bhoys starting XI.
However, over recent weeks Loovens has taken advantage of captain Stephen McManus' injury problems to gain regular football as Celtic fight to secure a fourth straight title.
The 25-year-old has started five of the last six games and is set to keep his place alongside Gary Caldwell for Sunday's final match of the season against Hearts, which Strachan's side must win to stand a chance of league silverware.
"It's not my place to speak about team selection; it's a choice that the manager has to make and I completely respect that," Loovens told
Celtic View.
Lucky
"I've just tried to prove to people that I can do a job when I do come in. I think I've learned a lot this year, even just from watching matches.
"But you want to play and help and the best way to learn about the game is by playing as often as possible.
"I am lucky that I've been doing that for a few weeks now and I have really enjoyed being in the team.
"Everyone here knows they will get games throughout the season and when you get that opportunity, you have to make the most of it.
"I never expected to go into the team straight away. I knew I'd have to fight for my place.
"You want to play in every game, but I just wanted to make sure that when I got my chance I did alright."
