Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli admits he was in awe of Scott Brown after watching him win a 50/50 against Rangers in the first derby of the season.

Left-back Bolingoli knew his captain was a legend already, but it was when the ex-Scotland skipper won a crunching midfield battle that forced his teammate to take notice of just how vital a player he is for the club.

Having only recently joined the Hoops from Rapid Vienna, Bolingoli hasn't taken much time to settle in.

Celtic send message of support to Scott Brown after vile Ibrox taunt

And the Belgian reckons that's because Brown has a knack for helping newbies gel and buy into exactly what it means to play for a club like the Scottish champions.

Speaking to Celtic TV, Boli said: "Scott Brown is a big leader, a legend for me, the way he plays every game, you can only look up to him.

"The last game in the derby, one moment he won a duo and I was like 'damn, yeah, that's a real captain'.

Celtic fans change Twitter names to Bolingoli in bizarre trend

"That's a real leader. 

"Outside the pitch he's a cool guy, a nice guy and he has helped me a lot.

"He's cool, he is a laugh and he brings a positive motivation. 

"That's Scott Brown."