Assistant manager Chris Davies hopes Kolo Toure will prove to be an "inspirational figure" at Celtic.
The former Liverpool centre-back, 35, signed a one-year deal at Parkhead on Sunday but is not in the travelling party for a trip to Kazakhstan, ahead of the first leg of a third-round qualifier against Astana.
"I am really pleased," said Davies, who was second-in-command to Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. "Obviously we worked with Kolo at Liverpool, he brings two things: he's a top defender who is good with the ball and he also brings a real authority and experience.
"He is an inspirational figure so we are not only getting a really good player but someone who can inspire players around them to help the team and younger players.
"He has been working with a personal trainer so it is an important week physically for him and we will see how it goes."
It has been reported that Celtic have had a fourth bid of £2.75million for winger Scott Sinclair turned down by Aston Villa.
However, Davies, who confirmed Kristoffer Ajer will not travel due to a thumb problem, said: "It would obviously be disrespectful for us talk about a player who belongs to another club.
"The club are working behind the scenes to bring players in who will make a difference.
"It has got to be the right deal and right players. We are focusing on the players who are playing."
Of Astana, he said: "It is going to be a tough game, they are a physical team who have quality."
Source: PA
