Daniel Majstorovic has seen it all before. He knows the season has a long way to go and he has also seen examples of players as they develop into finding their natural position. Some will have to be persuaded they are not the striker they think they are. Others will be moving in response to an injury crisis. Majstorovic believes Celtic have found a "natural-born central defender" in the shape of stand-in stopper Charlie Mulgrew, who had played most of his career at left-back. He made the move inside for the league game with Hearts at Parkhead in January after injuries left manager Neil Lennon with little option. The former Aberdeen and Wolves player, now in his second spell at Celtic, looked the part instantly as the Hoops have gone unbeaten in six games. In addition to stretching their lead over Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the SPL to eight points, Celtic reached the final of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a 4-1 win over Aberdeen while also forcing a replay against Rangers by drawing 2-2 in their Scottish Cup fifth-round at Ibrox.
Majstorovic, back in the side alongside Mulgrew in the last three games, claims his new partner has shown during that spell that he has found his best position. The Sweden international said: "Charlie has played fantastic since he has moved in to the centre of defence. I think he is a natural-born central defender, as I said to him the other day. I am very happy for him, he deserves it. Of course he has still to take it game by game but if he continues to play the way he is playing now then I think he will play there (in the future)."
Majstorovic also praised left-back Emilio Izaguirre who has caught the eye of Aston Villa, Manchester United and Liverpool in recent weeks following some impressive performances. Majstorovic is not surprised that the Honduran has attracted suitors but is hoping he will stay at Parkhead. He said: "The quality he has, and the way that he is playing, it is quite normal (for other clubs to be interested). He is an unbelievable player. I think he has a great future in front of him. Of course he still has a lot of things to work on but he is an amazing player and I'm sure that he will be a top man. It is very important to keep him because he is a quality player and he makes a difference to the team. As I said before, if we can keep this team together, I think we will be very strong next season."
Celtic look to have the upper hand over Rangers following the convincing 3-0 home win against the Ibrox men on Sunday. They are favourites to win the cup replay next week and with both teams meeting in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final at Hampden next month, there is talk of a treble in the air. However, Majstorovic is taking nothing for granted. He said: "We are in a good way but we have to be ready for what's coming up and take it game by game. Rangers will always be a strong team and every game we play against them will be totally different. The most important thing is to focus on Motherwell on Sunday and we will see what will happens. But of course we are on a good run. We are playing well at the moment and we are really enjoying it but it is going to be a hard race until the end, so nothing is won yet. Motherwell will be a difficult game but we have to go in to that game with the same spirit that we took in to the Old Firm game."
Daniel Majstorovic has seen it all before. He knows the season has a long way to go and he has also seen examples of players as they develop into finding their natural position. Some will have to be persuaded they are not the striker they think they are. Others will be moving in response to an injury crisis. Majstorovic believes Celtic have found a "