On loan striker Adrian Ruelas has spoken for the first time since his arrival at Celtic from Mexican club Santos Laguna, saying he is slowly adapting to life in Glasgow. The American Under-20 international arrived in Scotland three weeks ago and has immediately set his sights on breaking into Neil Lennon’s first team plans.
Ruelas is expected to make his first appearance for the Hoops on Saturday when a strong line-up travel to play a friendly with Bohemians, giving him the opportunity to show Lennon and Celtic fans what he is capable of in a match situation. Celtic have an option to buy on the 19-year-old, who holds dual American and Mexican nationality. But, at present, he seems a long way off breaking into the first team, despite his ambitions of making it big in the SPL.
“I have not talked much with the coaching staff,” Ruelas told Medio Tiempo. “But Neil Lennon speaks to me and asks me how I feel or if I need something. All of the coaching staff are very kind to me and are helping with my development.
“It's different here, especially because training is very intense but, little by little, I am adapting, I like it and the people here treat me very well.
“I always try to do my best and give the best I can. I keep dreaming of playing with the first team and I am trying hard. I want to play in Europe.”
Aside from trying to impress the Celtic coaching staff, Ruelas has also had to adapt to being away from home for the longest period of time in his life to date and says he is finding some things hard to adjust to since he made the switch.
“I miss tortillas and Mexican food because here there is no tortillas, salsa and beans,” said Ruelas. “I also miss my family and friends because, although I contact them via the Internet, it is not the same as being with them.”
Efrain Juarez arrived at Celtic a few months before Ruelas from another Mexican club, UNAM Pumas, and the youngster says he has been helped to settle by having the midfielder close by.
“He is a friend and we go to training every day together,” he said. “He sometimes gives me advice on the style of play in Scotland and he helps me in training. He has helped me to not feel alone.”
*Ruelas adjusting to life with Celtic