Nicolas Kuhn ready to show Celtic fans his best after tough start

Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn says he’s hoping to show supporters what he can do after a positive pre-season.

The German winger joined Brendan Rodgers’ squad in January when he made the switch from Rapid Vienna, but doesn’t feel he’s hit his stride in Glasgow yet.

Kuhn underwent dental surgery just before his transfer to Scotland and lost weight as he went 12 days without solid food. He believes that impacted his ability to hit the ground running and it took him a while to be in the right condition.

Now, after winning the league and Scottish Cup in the final months off the season and then enjoying a summer break, he’s been back in training with an eye on impressing this time around.

“I think the beginning was quite difficult, coming in,” he said. “Of course I’ve said before that I had issues with weight loss and stuff.

“I was getting better and by the end of the season coming more into the team and connecting with everyone.

“I’m happy to have a pre-season now.”

Asked if he felt fans could now expect to see him at his best, the 24-year-old was confident.

“Of course I think so,” he said. “The biggest problem I had in the beginning was that my fitness was not on that level so now we are working on that and hopefully now it’s going to be perfect for the start of the season.

“I was not there yet. I had a couple of good games but I have to show that every game. That’s the main thing.”

Kuhn welcomed the prospect of new signings in the squad this summer as the club strengthens its hand, and he feels competition can bring the best out of everyone. And he was happy with the prospect of striker Adam Idah potentially returning to Parkhead after a successful loan last year.

The winger was also keen to see another familiar face return and is hopeful that a deal can be struck for Paolo Bernardo after the Benfica midfielder spent last season with Celtic.

“I was quite close with Paolo so I would be happy if he comes back,” Kuhn said.

“He’s a great player. I think he had a special moment in the cup final and it would be great to have him back.

“I think there’s not a limit (in how he can develop).”