Welcome To Paradise Juninho

Last updated : 25 August 2004 By Kevin Smith
Brazillian Bhoy Juninho
Celtic have today completed the signing of a truly world class player, Juninho. You don't receive 50 caps and possess a World Cup Winners' medal for nothing, and the 'Wee Fella' is going to be a class act for Celtic this season.

Thirty-one year old Juninho has arrived from a second spell at Middlesbrough. He was the fans' favourite throughout last season, and was their joint-top goalscorer. 'Boro fans are not happy at his departure, and are blaming the egotastic Steve McClaren for playing him in reserve matches and refusing to allow him into a squad he would basically walk into.

First time around, Juninho cost 'Boro £4.75 Million from Sao Paulo. He lit up the Riverside and built up a formiddable partnership with Fabrizio Ravenelli. Due to 'Boro losing their relegation battle, Juninho was sold to Atletico Madrid for over £12 Million. However, after breaking his leg, he never made their France 98 squad.

After Atletico's relegation, Juninho was loaned out to Middlesbrough, Flamengo and Vasco de Gama. Two years on, Juninho was lured back to Teesside for a second spell with 'Boro, where he showed the Premiership he has still got it.

Juninho should be able to pick his own place in the Celtic squad. He is not an out and out centre forward - more of a Lubo Moravcik kind of player. Despite choosing the Number 7 shirt, he has asked not to be compared with its former owner, Henrik Larsson.

It is hard to say whether or not Juninho will start on Sunday, but he will definitley feature. He is match-fit as he has been training all through the summer, and has played games for Middlesbrough Reserves. It looks as though Aiden McGeady will have to bide his time, as he will be the most likely to drop out for the Brazillian.

We would have had nothing to fear on Sunday anyway. But tonight, after watching Rangers degrade Scottish football once again, coupled with the arrival of Juninho, it sure is lining up to be an interesting one!