Celtic have their man as Tomas Cvancara’s loan move has been officially completed.
Martin O’Neill namechecked Cvancara in his pre-Bologna press conference and now the 25-year-old has finally put pen to paper on a loan deal with an option to buy.
After excelling in his native Czechia with Sparta Prague, things have been more difficult for the striker at Borussia Mochengladbach.
Cvancara has said Celtic are world famous, but can he add himself into the pantheon of elite strikers that have passed through the Parkhead gates?
To get the lowdown on the latest recruit, 67 Hail Hail spoke to Sparta Prague and Czech football expert Michael Durcak.
- READ MORE: Charlie Mulgrew admits one Tomas Cvancara factor could change his Hearts vs Celtic prediction
Should Tomas Cvancara start against Hearts this weekend?
What are Tomas Cvancara’s strengths?
“He is excellent in the air. At Sparta he even played on the wing at times and was very strong in duels. He’s also a good finisher, especially in combination with Jan Kuchta.
“He can be aggressive in the press and make himself a real nuisance for defenders.”
Where does Tomas Cvancara need to improve?
“Reportedly not the easiest character in the dressing room. People say he had to be ‘managed’ or ‘brought into line’ during earlier loan spells (including in Italy) before he found some humility and really established himself at Jablonec.
“He also effectively pushed for a move away from Sparta, and with hindsight it may have been better for him to stay longer. At Mochengladbach there were indications they didn’t want him in the dressing room, so there’s a concern about potential toxicity.
“That said, I don’t know the full context there – how he was treated, whether language played a role, how well he settled, etc. In general he’s not a bad kid or a ‘problem player’, he just didn’t fit in while in Germany.”
What would you say to Dermot Desmond about Celtic’s transfer model now?
How will Tomas Cvancara fit in at Celtic?
“Hard to say. The potential is there. Stylistically, the Scottish league should suit him because it’s physical, and big teams like Celtic and Rangers often face deep defensive blocks – that’s something he’s used to from Sparta. But I don’t think he’ll be an instant fix, which your manager has also said. And honestly, he may need time to ‘play himself into form’, because he’s been on the fringes for a while.
“So yes: a good striker profile on paper, but he needs to settle in the dressing room (hopefully his English is good; he’ll know what’s expected from Brian Priske’s Sparta) and it may take a bit of time.”
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