Mika Baur was thrown straight into the deep end at Celtic against LASK — and his first start for the club earned the approval of Scott Brown.
The German midfielder was named in Martin O’Neill’s starting XI for Wednesday night’s Champions League play-off, just days after completing his move to the Hoops.
Baur had already made his Celtic debut from the bench against Dundee United, but facing the Austrian champions offered supporters a much better opportunity to see what the 22-year-old can bring to O’Neill’s midfield.
His inclusion came despite O’Neill admitting beforehand that Baur was not yet “absolutely” fit following his arrival.
That did not stop the midfielder from catching Brown’s eye during Celtic’s impressive 3-0 victory.
Assessing Baur’s performance on BBC Sportsound, the former Celtic captain highlighted his ability to look forward in possession, while also praising his work without the ball.
Brown said: “Mika Baur has done enough for me so far, but I still want to see him on the ball more.
“He has a fantastic eye for a forward pass.
“His work rate and understanding have been fantastic, and in his first full start for the club it has been very, very positive.”
Baur’s willingness to play progressively was one of the standout qualities identified before his move to Celtic was completed.
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1 Comment
Baur already looking like another great addition to our squad imo?
His passing ability, with a good sense of awareness and footballing intelligence, make him a potential great midfielder, for ourselves functioning better in midfield.
Especially when playing attacking front foot football imo?
The huge test now, will potentially be the more disciplined performance required, against Lask in the return leg?
Would be surprised if we were as attacking minded in our central midfield areas, especially with a 3 goal lead to protect imo?
So possibly will need to sit in moreso beside Calmac, even if both are possibly better in getting forward moreso than a defensive role placed upon them both?
But the experience factor of Calmac should make that transition easier for Baur to potentially adjust to in Austria imo?
So a baptism of fire for Baur, and done very well on Wednesday, despite not being fully fit?
Different game in Austria expected, but still have plenty of confidence in Baur being able to deliver imo?