Not many of Celtic's first team regulars made the midweek transatlantic flight to Toronto for the CNE Cup game against Benfica. The clash at BMO Field resulted in a 3-1 win for the Portuguese but the inexperienced young Celtic side gave a good account of themselves in an entertaining match. Marc Crosas was one of the more experienced players in the hoops but the ex-Barcelona player can't yet be described as a first team regular and that's something he hopes to change soon. Crosas was delighted to meet his old buddy Saviola in the friendly but he's hoping that the next time their paths cross it'll be in earnest.
"I know Saviola very well. We had a great time together in Barcelona when I was there." said Marc. "We had a fantastic relationship and he is my best mate in football. It was good to have a chat before the game. I caught up on his career and he was asking me about Scotland and Celtic, it was like we had never been apart. It was the first time I had played against him and I really enjoyed it, but I didn't like the fact he was celebrating a success."
"Maybe next time we face each other it will be much more serious in the Champions League and I will be laughing." said Celtic's number 17. "On the pitch we were not friends, but as soon as I walked off we had a laugh and a joke. I'd love to repeat what he has done in the game, he's had so much success in the Champions League. I'm only 21 and I have to try and emulate what he has done in his career. I can only do that by playing regular games for Celtic if I want to be as good as he is.
Crosas was named Celtic's Young Player of the Year last season and he'll do his utmost to impress new boss Tony Mowbray in the coming weeks and months as he tries to establish himself in the first team. Massimo Donati held the berth in Mowbray's side up until his transfer to Bari last week and Marc realises that his chances of regular action have now improved. "I have more chance of playing with Massimo away." he said. "He was playing games this season but things can change so quickly for you in football.
"I am being positive and thinking that, even though there is competition for places, I am good enough to play for Celtic." said Crosas. ''The first season is always difficult when you come in from a different country and style of football. I was hoping last season I would announce my arrival on the big stage. But I didn't play as many games as I'd have liked and I have to be playing regularly now."