CELTIC new boy Boli Bolingoli has thanked team-mate Callum McGregor for bailing him out after his mistake almost allowed FK Sarajevo a route back into the Champions League qualifier second-leg at Celtic Park.
Bolingoli, who had to that point enjoyed an impressive home debut, gifted possession to the visitors to allow them to cancel out Ryan Christie’s earlier strike and add a temporary edge to the evening as Sarajevo contemplated an unlikely comeback.
Thankfully for Neil Lennon – and for Bolingoli in particular – McGregor popped up to bag the winner and settle any lingering nerves in the home ranks.
READ MORE: Celtic 2 Sarajevo 1: Five things we learned from Celtic's victory
“Of course, I was disappointed with their goal because it was my fault,” Bolingoli said.
“That can always happen, but we have to avoid those kind of mistakes at the back. I’m happy that my team-mate Callum helped me out and that we got the victory.
“After it went to 1-1 we were confident, even though we had missed so many chances earlier. We were still dominant.
“It was a great feeling for me to play my first game at Celtic Park and the most important thing was that the team won and that we have qualified for the next round.
“We played well and dominated the first half. We also opened the scoring, but we were unlucky to concede an equaliser. However, we kept our focus and scored again.”
Despite the personal setback on the night, Bolingoli is adapting well to his new surroundings in Glasgow, and feels that the attacking ethos at Celtic plays to his strengths.
“I’m loving life at Celtic,” he said. “It’s great and I’m very happy to be here – the players have received me very well and I want to be a player here. Celtic’s tactics are perfect for me because I’m an offensive player and they always attack.
“They like to have the ball and I think it will be even better for me in the future. I’m still learning, you know. As a youth, I was always an attacking player and I am still learning the defensive parts of the game.
“I know that I still need to make progress. I need to better because I’m a left-back and the most important part is to defend. I already have my offensive qualities, but I need to become a better defender.
“The atmosphere was great, and I felt it, for sure. It was special to play my first game at Celtic Park, but I know that it can be even better than this – it was really nice, though.”
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