The entire stadium would reverberate with chants of 'Pierre, there's only one Pierre...' accompanied by outspread hands and 'we're not worthy' gestures from a support who had been awaiting a messiah through a long dark era of Hun dominance and in their eyes Pierre Van Hooijdonk was that saviour. It turned out to be another false dawn, of course, and Pierre was John the Baptist rather than Ghod, but there was never any doubt that the big Dutchman was adored by the Celtic faithful and yesterday he called upon the support to share a little of that love with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
Vennegoor of Hesselink played a pivotal role in last season's title triumph, his last minute winner against the Huns at Celtic Park was of crucial importance, and he'll be hoping to put the men from Ibrox to the sword once more on Sunday but Van Hooijdonk still feels that big Jan doesn't get the plaudits he deserves from the Celtic support because they've been spoiled by the quality of previous teams and previous front men. "It's not fair to compare him with someone like Henrik Larsson,' said van Hooijdonk, "That's like comparing a Ferrari with a car not as fast. Jan has his style, which I think is a little bit similar to John Hartson. But the thing is that the team in which Larsson, Hartson and Chris Sutton played was different. It had more money spent on it and better players in the squad."
"I know from my own experience that when you are able to play with even better players, you look better yourself." continued the ex-Celtic striker, "With no disrespect, if there is nothing missing from your game then you play for Real Madrid or Manchester United. But Jan is a player who always gives 100 per cent. He is brave and I believe he can give the team a different option with his strength in the air. He has had some injuries and it is always difficult when you are coming back but, for me, he is a good player - no doubt about that. He definitely has the heart for the Old Firm games - for any occasion, in fact. That was why when Celtic signed him I thought it was a fantastic match between club and player. His way of playing is suitable for the Scottish game."
Van Hooijdonk is in Scotland to publicise Setanta's coverage of Sunday's game alongside fat ex-hun Andy Goram (who looks like one of those homeless people Pierre spoke about during his wage dispute at Celtic) and the ex-Dutch international also gave his view on the widely reported Artur/Aiden incident. "A confrontation doesn't have to be a bad thing ," said van Hooijdonk. "Don't get me wrong, it's not something that you want to happen every week. But you can, in some cases, become stronger as a team afterwards. "I don't know about the specifics of this situation, but if there is a problem between two guys for a long time, then other people in the dressing room can take sides. After you have an explosion, it is time to get back together again. Sometimes, one bust-up can make that happen. If the two players, along with the management, are prepared to talk about and solve the problem, then the air is clear again. 'But, of course, there is also a possibility that things can become worse and it t becomes area l problem in the squad."