Hinkel content with Celtic debut

Andreas Hinkel made his debut against Stirling Albion

Celtic full-back Andreas Hinkel says the best is yet to come after making his debut for the SPL club.

The 25-year-old German, who signed for £1.9m from Sevilla, was named man of the match following the 3-0 Scottish Cup fourth-round win over Stirling.

"I think I did okay in my first game for Celtic at home," he said.

"I have been here for a week and I need time but I enjoyed it. I think I need more games to get my rhythm, to play better and learn how Celtic play."

The right-back, who has earned 17 caps with Germany, added: "It was a cup game against a smaller team and it is the same all over the world, it's not easy playing against small teams."

Hinkel left Stuttgart for Sevilla in June 2006 but did not make the host nation's World Cup squad that year.

He rejected the chance to return to Germany with Borussia Dortmund and instead signed for Celtic.