"I walk into training every day with a smile"; Aaron Mooy left buzzing with Celtic experience

By John McGinley

January 15, 2023

Celtic midfielder Aaron Mooy is looking forward to an ‘extra special’ Scottish League Cup final after helping his team through to the showpiece match with a stellar performance in the semi-final.

Mooy was one of the Bhoys’ stand-outs in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock, adding to a run of form that has seen him installed as a starter in Ange Postecoglou’s team.

The Australian international looks full of confidence after returning from the World Cup and is ready to have a really strong second half of the season.

He’s delighted with his move to Celtic too, telling The Scottish Mail on Sunday [15/01 print edition, page 113]: “I played in the Chinese Cup final last season. There were no fans at the game because of Covid. We didn’t win either. The other team scored a belter in the closing minutes.

“That’s why this final will be extra special, even though I’m trying not to think that far ahead. The final is in February 26, so that’s still a while away. One week can be a long time in football.

“But I’ve got my family here, I’m happy off the field and I walk into training every day with a smile on my face. I’m enjoying it and, hopefully, they can be there at the final.”

Having worked with Postecoglou within the Australian set-up previously, Mooy is also relishing the opportunity to serve under him on a day-to-day basis.

The Celtic star continued: “Intensity, every day in training. It is something I’ve not really experienced with anyone else.

“The way we play is entertaining, all-action, 100 miles-an-hour. It’s different and he’s proved everywhere he’s gone he can play successful football.”

Mooy is going from strength to strength right now and I’m looking forward to seeing him possibly improve even more in this system. At the very least, he’s proven to be an excellent depth option on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old is in the perfect place at the perfect time of his career. You have to say it’s another Postecoglou recruitment hit.

In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou speaks out on the condition of Hampden, Micheal Beale follows.