Liel Abada had no doubts he could cope with the demands of Celtic.
And the Israeli ace reckons he’s now ready to live out a childhood dream by heading into the elite ranks of the Champions League.
Abada emerged a hero for Ange Postecoglou during a phenomenal opening campaign in Glasgow.
Aged just 19, the winger was one of the first through the door in the Aussie’s rebuild after signing for Maccabi Petah Tikva for £3.5 million.
Abada had bundles of responsibility placed onto his young shoulders, but handled it superbly with a goal on his debut against FC Midtjylland signalling his intent for the remainder of the campaign.
No-one played more games in the run to the Premiership title than the youngster.
Abada’s 36 appearances put him top of the list and his goals and assists were a feature of the title triumph.
His work was recognised outside of Parkhead with his peers voting him the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year to cap a staggering first term.
Abada may have shocked some by settling so quickly, but not himself.
The kid was full of belief and said: “I came to Celtic with expectations of myself. Over time, I worked hard in training and games.
“I was privileged to have an Israeli in a team like Nir (Bitton) and he helped me adapt quickly. I am very happy about this season individually and as a team.
“I am a person who believes in himself and his abilities and I expected more from myself than what was expected when I arrived at Celtic. I am very happy with the season.”
Abada raced into the hearts of the Parkhead fans with his all-action style and there was end product.
Undoubtedly, one of the memories of the season for the Celtic fans was his delightful strike in the 3-0 February thrashing of Rangers which put his team on course for the flag having also scored a last-gasp winner in the previous game against Dundee United.
Reflecting, Abada said: “There’s no need to talk about it, a lot of people know about the rivalry. Every game is important for the club and the fans. It’s a crazy atmosphere. It’s hard to explain in words.
“I do not want to compare this league to a league in Israel. Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv have a crazy atmosphere.
“The league in Scotland is very difficult and good. A lot of people underestimate it, but this is a good league. "
Abada, of course, will not not have Bitton to lean upon next term with his more-experienced countryman opting to end his career in Glasgow after nine years.
Bitton received an emotional farewell last weekend at the game against Motherwell and, speaking to sport5.co.il in his homeland, he said: “The ceremony they did for Nir was very exciting, I was excited for him.
“I learned a lot from him and I wish him success. His next team? I can not so much recommend him. He will do what is right for him. I wish him all the best in the world.”
Abada, though, is staying right where he is with an exciting future ahead of him under Postecoglou.
The 20-year-old is certain to improve from a season of experience at the club and return a bigger and better performer next term.
Abada has goals and is already looking forward to the opportunity to play in the Champions League proper, a prospect that has excited him since youth.
Despite scoring against Midtjylland, it was not enough to stop the Danes putting Celtic at the first qualifying hurdle this season.
However, league success has propelled Postecoglou’s men straight into the groups with no need for the arduous qualifiers this time.
Abada will be amongst the continent’s elite and, although his countrymen are already talking about him making moves to major leagues due to his rapid progression, he stated: “It’s not right now to talk about what will happen next.
“I just finished my first season at Celtic. I’m having fun here, I’m fine here. What will happen next? I cannot know.
“I will be with family and friends and prepare ourselves for next season. There is a team and at the moment it is not right to talk about what will happen.
“Next season will be very significant. It’s my childhood dream to play in the Champions League.”
While everything was just about perfect in the year for Abada, there was one bittersweet scenario which unfolded in the closing days.
While he was adding a Premiership medal to his Premier Sports Cup gong, his old club were suffering the agony of the drop with Maccabi Petah Tikva relegated.
Abada is sad for the club who gave him the platform to display his skills and earn the right to be signed for Celtic.
He said: “I was very disappointed for Maccabi Petah Tikva. I believe they will return to the Premier League soon.
“I saw the game, I saw that they were disqualified for a goal. I really appreciate all the people at Maccabi Petah Tikva, I was surprised that they went down.”
