CELTIC legend Chris Sutton has backed Nadir Ciftci to become a huge hit at Parkhead and told the new signing not to change.

The 23-year-old, who moved from Dundee United last week, has become an immediate cult hero in the eyes of some supporters who see him as a rare talent that will excite them over the next few seasons.

Sutton, BT Sport's football analyst, certainly believes his old club have landed themselves a bargain and that the Turk has what it takes to become a great Celtic player.

Sutton said: “I do like Ciftci. People talk about his temperament, but we have all make mistakes. He’s a young player and I like him as a footballer first and foremost.

“He is a different type for Celtic. He uses his body particularly well, can link up the play and scores some outstanding goals.

“I think he will develop. It’s a big opportunity for him. But for £1.5million, I think that’s a really good piece of business from Celtic. If you look throughout Britain, who could you sign with a pedigree for £10 or £15m who could guarantee you goals?

“I don’t think there are many strikers out there. Look at Mario Balotelli who went to Liverpool last season for £16m.

“Celtic don’t play in that league any more, they don’t pretend they can, so they have to buy players who they think have potential and who they can develop such as Dedryk Boyata and Saidy Janko.

“Ciftci is the same. I think he will get a chance. I am aware that there was some disappointment from Celtic fans when he signed, I think it’s fair to say, and then after Friday night (against Real Sociedad) he is the greatest thing.

“Balance is the key and we will have to wait and see, but I don’t think you can under-estimate what he can do.”

Sutton knows that Ciftci, who is likely to start on the bench against FC Stjarnan tomorrow night, will have to curb some of his more excessive on-field behaviour, however, he would not want to see the striker completely change because it would take away from him as a footballer.

The Englishman played with a few like that during his Celtic days and know that a bit of attitude can be a good thing.

Sutton said: “He has to mature as a player. I am sure he will do. This is a big opportunity for him, but I don’t think he’s daft.

“He has made mistakes, but I like players who have fire in their belly and he just needs to control that. There are going to be times when he does over-step the mark.

"I look back over the course of time to players I played with. There was big John Hartson, Neil Lennon, Craig Bellamy, they were players who without that edge they would be lesser players.

“Ciftci is that type and it may be a ride at times but more importantly it’s about what he can bring to Celtic with his attributes. I like him, I said right away he is a good signing and I think he’ll prove that. I don’t think it’s going to be dull with him, whatever happens."

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