When he was at Feyenoord the young Loovens would make an ample deputy for the defensive stalwart that is Patrick Paauwe but he knew that he would never depose him in a hurry so he decided to take a gamble - move to a Club in a lesser league in order to focus his talents and get a move to a top European side. Now the gamble has paid off for the affable Dutchman with a move to Celtic.
I knew I would have to take a step back to take a step forward," said Loovens yesterday, as he promoted the new Celtic kit launch by posing with his No.22 jersey. "It was my choice to leave Feyenoord, but I knew that I could eventually get back up again and here I am now at a huge club like Celtic.
"I played with the national team all the way to under-21 level. Who did I play with? Wesley Sneijder, van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart, Johnny Heitinga . . . most of the ones who are now in the senior squad. I knew I was not ready to make the step up, but I feel I am getting better and coming closer to the level required. Let's hope I can take that step at Celtic."
When asked why he had elected to join Celtic ahead of Rangers Glenn's answer was succinct. "I chose them because they are a big club, are in the Champions League and are three-times champions"
Indeed. It would appear that you know your history Glenn. Welcome to the Club.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt