Former Dundee United defender Gary Bollan is is confident Arabs midfielder Gary Mackay-Steven can handle being a signing target for Celtic.
Former Ross County player Mackay-Steven is the subject of an official approach from the Hoops to discuss joining them in the summer when his Tannadice contract ends.
If there is agreement it would mean the Thurso-born player will see out the remainder of the season with the Tangerines.
Bollan believes it will not be a problem. The Airdrie manager, who was at the Dundee Science Centre to pick up his League 1 manager of the month award for December, has seen and heard enough of the midfielder to be confident he will easily be able to give his all to the Tangerines.
“Gary is a fantastic talent and on his day as good as anybody in Scotland to watch,” said Bollan. “I don’t know if you will see a better wide player in the country than Mackay-Steven on his day. He has pace and an abundance of skill. Peter Houston took him to Tannadice and I remember some people were saying he was taking a chance. But if it ever was a gamble it has paid off.
“He has been a great servant to United in the time he has been there and I am sure, wherever he goes now, that he will carry that on.
“He seems like a laid-back character so he will be taking all this is his stride. Things don’t seem to bother him and that kind of personality will help him deal with this. I have never had any doubt every player in Scotland goes out to do his best for his team at all times. I am sure Gary will be doing just that if he does remain at United for the rest of the season. He will give 100% to the club and the supporters.”
Bollan knows all about moving to one of the Old Firm, having joined Rangers from United in January 1995 along with Alex Cleland in a deal worth £750,000.
The Dundee-born Diamonds manager, who returned to Tannadice for a second spell in 2003, knows there will be pressure on Mackay-Steven.
“I was expected to win week in, week out no matter what at Rangers then and it is the same for Celtic,” he said.