Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has insisted new signing David Fernandez should not be labelled 'the new Lubo Moravcik'. But while the £1million capture from Livingston is set to be asked to perform a similar playmaking role to the now-departed Slovakian, O'Neill does not want fans or pundits to start making comparisons.
He told www.celticfc.net: "Not for one minute do I want people tagging David as the new Lubo; that would be a bit unfair on the lad. What I would say to the fans, and the media, is let him carve out a niche for himself. There is no doubt he has a great deal of ability - he has shown that at Livingston -and I have no doubts that he will do very well for us. But I wouldn't pin him to a specific role because he has the skill and versatility to do a job for us in a couple of different positions."
The Spaniard, who can name Airdrie and Deportivo de la Coruna as former clubs, can also operate as an out-and-out striker. O'Neill had been linked with the 26-year-old for some time and it was no surprise that he became the first new addition to the Parkhead ranks as the Ulsterman prepares for another Champions League sortie.
He added: "I'm delighted to have him here. He did have a year left on his deal at Livi but we wanted him in now and he was very, very keen to come. I've spoken to him, his English is very good, and he knows and understands the standards that will be expected of him here. David is strong, he's skilful, he has a good left foot, but he could score more goals, and that's something he will be under pressure to do at Celtic Park. It's a terrific move for him, though, and I'm sure he'll rise to the challenge."
Filed by Shane Murray
