Cillian Sheridan missed out on playing with Tottenham ace Robbie Keane with Celtic last season.

Irishman Sheridan was on-loan at St Johnstone while Keane was strutting his stuff at Celtic Park.

The pair finally came together in the green and white of the Republic of Ireland last week.

Now the youngster is eager to fill the Irish icon's boots when he returns to Celtic for the biggest season of his career.

And he goes with Keane's warm words of encouragement ringing in his ears. He said: "Ideally what I want to do is go back and play for Celtic.

"I want to play a bigger part, but it's up to me to perform in training.

"It's a big year for me. I'm back to where I was at this stage last season.

"I had a year left on my deal then too and I needed to get out and play.

"The only difference now is I've a couple of international caps.

"I am definitely more confident. I was only an Under-21 player before, but now I have full caps.

"I need to do well in pre-season. I know I'll be under more pressure than ever.

"People will expect more from me.

"It's a year since I've been at Celtic, but being away made me a better player."