‘Essien-tial’ influence Mubarak Wakaso

Mubarak Wakaso last night revealed how Michael Essien told him to jump at the chance to join Scottish champions Celtic.

The Ghana international winger was finally unveiled yesterday after agreeing a year-long loan deal.

Mubarak, 24, arrived from Russian club Rubin Kazan and hopes to earn a permanent switch at the end of the season.

The winger became Ronny Deila’s fifth signing and is ready to go straight in against Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday.

Mubarak, who also played in Spain, insists he had no hesitation in signing despite the Hoops crashing out of the Champions League.

And he told how countryman Essien and other Ghana superstars urged him to grab the chance to move to Celtic.

Essien spent nine years with Chelsea and Mubarak was in regular contact with the ex-Lyon and Real Madrid midfield man as he sought advice on his next career move.

Now the 24-year-old winger, who featured at the World Cup in Brazil, aims to become a star himself and promised the Hoops fans he’ll be a hit for Deila who desperately needs heroes.

He said: “At the last World Cup I was with Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, Kevin Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari.

“It was good to be with such people because you learn a lot from them. I believe I can make it as big as them.

“I took advice from some of them to come here. They told me Celtic is a great team with a fantastic history that I can make it big here so I said ‘okay’.

“In my mind I won’t be here for only one season. I know I will make it big and stay with Celtic for a long time.”