Australian coach John Masiano has backed Marco Tilio to make an impact at Celtic. The Head Coach of Melbourne City’s youth team believes that the 21-year-old can be a success if he follows the pathway of Celtic legend Tom Rogic and current star Aaron Mooy.
Speaking to Record Sport, Masiano stated that he had already sent a message wishing the Australian Internationalist well for his proposed move to The Scottish Champions, which is believed to be nearing completion.
“He’s a good kid, comes from a good family and is a good person. I reached out to him the other day and told him that if he wanted to chat then I’m here for him because he now needs to get his head around Scottish football.
“I mean, there is no reason why he can’t deliver over there what he’s delivered here but obviously he needs to adapt. You know what, he’s such a good player he will adapt.
“Aaron Mooy is still there, Tommy Rogic was there not so long ago and Scotty McDonald made a huge impact. If you look at all these guys their attitude was probably the most important thing.
“They put their heads down, worked hard and reaped the rewards. There’s no reason why Marco can’t do that – no reason at all.”
If Tilio can make just a fraction of the impact that Tom Rogic had at Celtic then he will be on-track for success. Rogic and Mooy, as well as former boss Ange Postecoglou, have created a fresh interest in Celtic with the general public Down Under.
In 82 appearances, Tilio has scored 20 goals and assisted 19 times for Melbourne, earning him a call-up to Graham Arnold’s National Team. A predominantly right winger, Tilio can play on both sides as well as through the middle.
Celtic currently have James Forrest and Liel Abada that would be natural right wingers with Jota and Sead Haksabanovic able to come across if need be. It is clear that this is an area that the club are keen on strengthening in, especially given the amount of games that Celtic play.
A deal is believed to be nearing completion which would see Tilio become the second signing of the summer after Odin Thiago Holm. New manager Brendan Rodgers has already praised the club’s recruitment model as they continue to identify and track promising players from emerging markets like Asia.
