Ljungberg aims to be 'flying' soon

10 January 2011 17:30

Freddie Ljungberg hopes to be back to his best within the next couple of weeks after making his Celtic debut at the weekend.

The former Arsenal star played just over 60 minutes of the 2-0 Scottish Cup win at Berwick Rangers on Sunday, but had been out of action since leaving MLS club Chicago Fire three months ago.

"Hopefully it will be like a normal pre-season when you are flying after a couple of weeks, so probably in two weeks or so," Ljungberg said.

"The physio and guys who are talking about my fitness and testing me say it looks good and they are just going to push me as much as they can."

A sickness bug prevented Ljungberg from making his bow in last week's Old Firm derby but, now that he has got his first appearance under his belt, he is targeting 100% fitness as soon as possible.

Asked what percentage his fitness is at now, he added: "It's hard to say. I haven't played for eight to 10 weeks and this is the first time I've been on a field.

"You need to get used to things. I know this was not the Scottish top league. For me, it's important to get the feel for the league and that will come with games."

A trip to the north of England to tiny Shielfield Park was probably not what Ljungberg was expecting when he signed for the Hoops, but he was thrilled with the response he received from the Celtic faithful.

He said: "It was an amazing reception. They sang my name and that's really nice to hear from your own fans.

"At a place like this, so many people travelled and that shows how big the club is and how devoted the fans are to the club."

Source: PA