OLIVER Burke believes Brendan Rodgers is the perfect manager to help him to get back to being the exciting player who broke the Scottish transfer record over two years ago.

The 21-year-old has joined Celtic on loan until the end of this season with the intention of winning trophies and returning to the blistering form which persuaded RB Leipzig to spend £13million on him when he was a teenager at Nottingham Forest.

That move came about in August 2016 but the Scotland international couldn’t hold down a regular spot with the German club and moved to West Bromwich Albion 18 months ago for £15m - but played only six games this season.

Burke admitted his confidence was badly affected by so many ups and downs since making what was a sensational breakthrough; however, he insisted that Celtic supporters will see the player who not so long ago was seen as one of European’s football’s best young talents.

Burke said: “I last felt I played at my best at Nottingham Forest. It’s a long time ago. I haven’t had that run of games. I’ve been dripping in and out of teams, so back to my Forest days was when I was at my best-best.

“I do feel I have got better as a player. It’s now a case of putting it altogether and soaking in everything like a sponge. Then I can take it all into a game and I believe that can happen at Celtic under the right manager for me, because he’s very famous for it and I’m ready to work and push on.

“I was looking to go out on loan and get a club which could really develop me and play as many games as I can.

“I spoke to the gaffer, Brendan, and instantly he had a massive influence on my coming here. It’s a superb opportunity and being out at the training camp is a real bonus as I will get to know the team, get used to the environment at Celtic, so it was a no-brainer for me.

“As soon as I found out about Celtic’s interest I was really buzzing. I had options but the only choice in my head was Celtic. It’s a real privilege to be here and I’m looking forward to playing This is something I had to take on straight away. I had a chat with the manager and I had no hesitation.

“I know I can develop under him. He’s proven he can improve players. I’ll give 110 per cent and I don’t see why this move can’t further my career. It will make it better.

“This move will help me be myself again, to get myself up and running and back to where I was.”

Burke was offered the chance to take a look at Celtic Park and the training ground but opted to fly directly to Dubai where his new team-mates are at their winter training camp.

His time at West Brom might be at an end despite agreeing a five-year deal and he will see how things go in Glasgow before setting out any long-term plans.

The most important thing for the player is to get some much-needed game time.

Burke said: “The manager and I had a chat about what he expects of me. I can play different roles, as a striker or on the wing. I can switch it up whenever it is needed.

“The important thing for me is to be in and around the team, playing games and to get my confidence back because sometimes you van lose that if you’re not playing – and it can be hard to build it back up.

“It is very tough when you know you’re capable of playing but for someone reason it’s just not going your way. I am always second-guessing and asking why I wasn’t playing, all that stuff, but this does happen in football.

“Sometimes your face doesn’t fit. I’m lucky still to be young, I have years ahead of me and I think this is a really important time to kick on and play football.

“It’s a pretty exciting time. I’m really happy to be here and excited to now kick on. I had my first training session today and really enjoyed it. I know a lot of the boys already which helps, they are a great bunch of lads, so it’s all good.

“That makes it easier to come in. I know more than a few faces and it was nice to see them again. I’m just delighted to be here.”