Wilfried Nancy revealed that he tried signing Benjamin Nygren for Columbus Crew this summer before the Swede left Nordsjaelland for Celtic. 

The attacking midfielder is Celtic’s top goalscorer in all competitions this season, adding a double to his tally this afternoon as he played a starring role in the Parkhead side’s 4-2 victory away to Livingston.

And new manager Nancy is delighted to have Swedish international at his disposal.

Nancy said: “When I was in Columbus, I wanted to have him.

“So I know him really well. I know what he can do. I think that he has a big potential, he hasn’t reached yet his potential.

“But I think in terms of a relation, connection, with players, this is a player of relation. He’s not a dribbler, but his ability is to make the runs for his teammate but also for the technique that he has.

“So now he knows that he has to be stronger, he has to believe a little more in himself, but I like what I’ve seen so far, but I would challenge him.”

Nygren scored his ninth and tenth goals of the season as Celtic came back from behind twice in a game which seen four goals scored in the opening ten minutes, and admitted he was made aware of the interest from his new manager after his arrival.

“I think he’s a great manager” Nygren said post-match.

“Myself and the whole team will keep on working hard to get better and better.

“I heard of it [Columbus interest in summer]. I didn’t know it before but I heard of it when he came.”

It is the second consecutive match Celtic have won under Nancy since his arrival after losing his first four, and the Frenchman was pleased with what he seen from his side today.

“Good game. A difficult game to play regarding the context, regarding the pitch, regarding the opposition. I really liked the competitive spirit that we had.

“We came back twice from behind, and after that we were able to score four goals, could have scored more goals obviously, but I really liked what we did first half.

“Second half, I liked it also, but in different ways. Defensively we were strong, we didn’t concede, they attacked a little bit more.

“But offensively I think that we could have done better with the ball, to be able to install in their half and to organise to attack. Sometimes I think that we rushed and what happened was a chaotic game.”

In all six games managed by Nancy, the recognised striker has failed to score in all six. When asked if a frontman is on his January wishlist, Nancy was coy to delve into specific details about transfer strategy.

“When we have a window, the window is an opportunity for each team to improve the team.

“So we’ll see what we are going to do, if we are going to take players, what type of player we are going to take and so on.

“But step by step we are going to get the answer.”