Loovens was delighted when he heard Hoops boss Tony Mowbray had snapped up compatriot Hooiveld from AIK Stockholm last week.

Although disappointed to see Gary Caldwell leave to join Wigan, the Holland international feels his new 26-year-old team-mate has the game to succeed in Scotland.

He said: “I am sure he is going to do well. He came through the youth system with me in Holland and we played against each other sometimes so I knew of him. He is a big guy with a good left foot and I think he will be a good addition to the squad.

“He didn’t play much in Holland, but went abroad and started getting more matches and improving all the time. Sometimes you need games to get better.

“That certainly worked out well for me when I moved to Celtic. Now it has worked for Jos.

“It is good for us to have competition all around the pitch and in defence as well. It keeps everyone on their toes.

“We know have three left-footed players here now so if he’s a good player everyone is welcome to strengthen the team. It doesn’t matter if he’s left or right-footed. If he is good, he is good.”

Meanwhile, Loovens, who played alongside Darren O’Dea in Celtic’s narrow 1-0 win over Morton in an Active Nation Scottish Cup tie at Cappielow last night, is looking forward to the Parkhead club’s run of games.

The bad weather has meant a string of games have been postponed and Mowbray’s men, now nine points adrift of SPL leaders Rangers, are facing a fixtures pile-up.

However, speaking in the Celtic View, Loovens said: “I would rather play than train. After having two or three games called off, you can’t wait to get back on the pitch and play.”