Reo Hatate reckons his derby double against Rangers made him a target for rival opponents.
The midfielder struck twice on his Old Firm debut in a huge win for Celtic at Parkhead.
That result changed the Premiership title race in the Hoops' favour with the January recruit playing a major role.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Celtic star Hatate believes God was on his side that night against Rangers as he openly admits to getting Goosebumps just before kick-off.
But he reckons that derby moment was a warning for rival players - who now mark him tighter and with more physicality.
He said: “I think people played against me differently after that, the marking became tighter — more physical.
READ MORE: Scotland skipper Andy Robertson parties with Calvin Harris on Liverpool bus parade
“Players would catch me on the ankle more when they were going for the ball. I think the opponents watched the game and thought, ‘I have to do this now’.
“I am glad my years of work had prepared me for an occasion like that.
But when it comes to what happened against Rangers with my goals, I think God was on my side!
“I remember getting goosebumps the first time I went on the pitch just before the kick-off.
“I was really nervous about that but then I was calm. I really felt the atmosphere and the fact that it blended into that pitch.
"Did I enter the zone that night? I think that’s a time you say that you can see the ball slowly or the opponent’s movements slowly.
“But I’ve no such experience, so what is the zone? I don’t know if that’s the case. However, I had a strong feeling and I think that these parts combined to make it a perfect match for me.”
