GLASGOW, June 21, 2006 (AFP) - Gordon Strachan believes Celtic new boy Evander Sno will prove a knockout signing.
Sno, a 19-year-old Dutchman named after heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield, became Strachan's second summer signing in the space of 24 hours when he joined from Feyenoord on Tuesday.
The highly-rated Sno signed a three-year contract a day after Czech midfielder Jiri Jarosik was signed from Chelsea.
No fee was announced but it is understood that Celtic paid the Dutch club in the region of 250,000 pounds (460,000 dollars).
Sno, a defender who can also operate in midfield, is a product of Ajax's famous youth academy and Hoops boss Strachan is convinced he has a star of the future on his hands.
"Evander has everything but experience and when that experience comes he will be a smashing player," he said.
Sno said he was delighted to be joining a club where he will be playing in front of 60,000 crowds at every home match.
"I had a good feeling about it from the start," he said. "This is a fantastic opportunity for me at one of the world's greatest football clubs. I know all about the great support which the club enjoys and I hope to be able to play my part in bringing these fans more success."
Strachan's signings will go some way towards offsetting the loss of Roy Keane's experience following the former Manchester United captain's announcement that he was to retire because of injury.
But the Celtic boss was quick to emphasise that Sno was a very long way from being able to fill the boots of either Keane or club captain Neil Lennon, whose future is currently up in the air.
"We've got to remember that Evander is still a young man in terms of footballing experience, and first-team experience, so we are not rushing him anywhere," Strachan said.
"But he's got ability and intelligence and hopefully we can see an all-round footballer.
"I'm trying to make the squad as big and strong and healthy and as young as I possibly can," he said.
"We are trying to make it difficult in every position, we are trying to make competition for every position.
"When Evander is ready, hopefully he will compete and if he deserves that place, he will get that place."
Strachan added: "His style of play, once we get it right, will be suitable for the British style of play. He will bring his own natural Dutch talent as well, which is to hold the ball and pass it and be at ease with the ball."
Strachan also said he expected Celtic captain Lennon to report for pre-season training as planned on Friday despite reports he is holding talks with English Championship side Crystal Palace.