Celtic winger Haissem Hassan accepts that he needs to improve upon his defensive work if he is to become a regular starter under manager Martin O’Neill.

Hassan, who starred for Egypt at last summer’s World Cup, joined Celtic from Real Oviedo but has started just two of the past seven matches for the defending champions.

The 24-year-old made a positive impact off the bench in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United and is pushing for a starting berth in Sunday’s match away at Falkirk. But he knows that he needs to deliver the full package - offensively and defensively - if he is to hold down his right-wing spot.

"Defensive-wise I need to improve,” said Hassan. "On the attacking side I need the numbers on goals and assists. I should not be losing my head about it. I just need to focus on training. When I get the minutes, I need to try to produce and contribute to the team's performance. I will focus on doing this.

"In terms of defending, the team in Spain asked me a lot as well. The teams you play against are also good teams and they asked me to defend more.

"I am really keen to score my first goal for Celtic and also add assists. The goal feels closer and closer. The other day I was close. The game before that I assisted goals so hopefully it will come soon.”

O’Neill admitted in the build-up to the Falkirk match that Hassan has taken time to adapt to life in Scotland and the player himself revealed one thing that has caught him out since leaving Spain.

"I am happy here,” continued Hassan. “It's a nice city. I live here with my family and they are happy here, too. It is cold but it is good! It's a big city that has it all so I'm happy here.

"It happens in Glasgow that I meet fans. It's good to feel the love of the fans. I try to to stop as much as possible and take a photo with them.

"I like the culture But I have been living in France and Spain where people have dinner quite late. Here it's very early so it's the only thing I need to get used to."