Hooiveld - Celtic can only improve

05 August 2010 19:31

Celtic defender Jos Hooiveld has assured fans the new-look team will continue to improve once they get to know each other.

Celtic fell at the first hurdle in the Champions League as a 2-1 victory over Sporting Braga on Wednesday night failed to stop them dropping into the Europa League play-offs. However, Hooiveld insists there are plenty of signs to suggest Celtic will get better ahead of their Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener at Inverness on August 14.

"I think we can only improve," the 27-year-old said. "With every game you can see improvement.

"The first game against Philadelphia was far below Celtic's standards. Slowly but surely we are building up the Celtic standards."

Hooiveld added: "The team spirit is good but it's not automatic at the moment - knowing when the guy wants the ball or wants to come in, is he turning left or dropping off? That's not there yet.

"We have to practise that and we haven't had many times to practise with the whole group. After the Braga game we only had one training session with the whole group.

"If we get in a rhythm, that can grow grow. I can't wait to get in a rhythm with this squad."

Source: PA