Celtic transfer target Veljko Milosavljevic started and played the full 90 minutes as Red Star Belgrade cruised through to the next round of the Champions League qualifying stage.
Milosavljevic started in the unusual position of right-back, despite usually playing centre-back, as Red Star beat Gibraltarian outfit Lincoln Red Imps 5-1 on the night (6-1) on aggregate.
Red Star have big plans for Milosavljevic and the 18-year-old is wanted by Celtic, as well as a number of Premier League sides.
Serbian media rave about Veljko Milosavljevic
If Celtic were unsure of making a move for the young defender, the Serbian media’s reaction to Milosavljevic’s performance suggests that there’s a real star on their hands.
Mozzart sport rated him 7/10, saying: “Somewhat surprisingly, he found himself in the starting line-up, as a small bet by Vladan Milojevic, at the expense of natural right back Strahinja Stojkovic.
“He did well, securing space in front of Mateus together with Prada and Veljkovic, as Tiknisian held on to the corner flag in front of Lincoln’s goal.
“This guy is seriously growing, he has improved significantly in the technical segments under Vladan Milojevic. Calm on the ball, wants to play forward. Dangerous in the break. No wonder they see it as a serious project over there in England. Smile at Zvezda, big earnings.”
Meridian Sport added: “Since the start of the season he has been somewhat overshadowed by stories of incoming sound reinforcements and big transfers, but has quickly drawn attention to himself with his confident games.
“In the rematch against Lincoln he again showed a maturity rarely seen at that age and an ability to adapt adequately to new circumstances. He had to play in a hybrid position between right-back and full-back, and although his height does not seem ideal for playing on the wing, Milosavljevic fulfilled all the tasks without error.”
Can Red Star Belgrade face Celtic in the Champions League?
Red Star have progressed to the third qualifying round of the Champions League, where they will face Polish side Lech Poznan.
Luis Palma is on loan at Lech and will get the chance to face Milosavljevic.
However, the earliest Celtic can face Red Star is in the actual league phase of the competition due to both sides being seeded, with Brendan Rodgers and co set to find out who they could face next week.
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