Fun in Acapulco sets up Juarez for Celtic career

Efrain JUAREZ is confident he is ready to make his Celtic debut in Portugal despite ending his last season just one month ago.

The 22-year-old played in Mexico's World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina but could line up against Sporting Braga in the Champions League tomorrow night.

The versatile player, who is comfortable in midfield or at full-back, was named in Celtic's Champions League squad ahead of the third qualifying round first leg.

"I'd be delighted to play against Braga if asked," the former Pumas player said.

"I've had two weeks' holiday in Acapulco and I'm feeling fine. A break of a couple of weeks should be enough for any player, whether they've played in the World Cup or not.

"I don't need time to adapt to a new country either. I'll get a house, bring my parents over to Scotland for a while and then get on with it."

Juarez revealed he had not thought twice about joining Celtic despite reports of interest from Barcelona, where he spent several years as a teenager.

And he feels that time away from his homeland will make it easy for him to adapt to Scottish life and football. "Celtic is going to be good for my education in the game," he said.

"I've joined a team known throughout Europe and beyond and that was as important as the chance to play in the Champions League.

"Barcelona was a good experience for me. I was very young and it helped me mature.

"I spoke to Marc Crosas, who was my team-mate there, before joining Celtic. He told me what a big club it is."

Juarez could be joined in the Celtic squad by striker Gary Hooper, who closed in on his transfer from Scunthorpe yesterday by holding talks at Parkhead and undergoing a medical.

The 22-year-old Essex-born star is expected to be registered in time to be available for Wednesday's clash in Portugal.