Petta wants Rangers director to pick him

Celtic winger Bobby Petta is looking to receive a professional commendation from a Rangers employee next season.

The Dutchman saw his international career thwarted by injuries last season when Louis Van Gaal selected him for two Holland squads.

But now the former Ipswich man is hoping to impress Ibrox director of football Dick Advocaat in his role as Dutch national coach and help the country put the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup behind them.

Petta said: ‘‘I thought it was a good World Cup, although I did think it was a shame that Holland weren’t there.

‘‘But we didn’t produce the goods in qualifying, and I think Ireland showed why they had made it through instead.

‘‘Of course I would love to get the opportunity to represent my country - that’s a dream.

‘‘I’ve been in the squad twice now, but both times I’ve been forced to leave because of injury, so it would be nice to be given another opportunity.

‘‘At the moment, though, Holland can wait. I have a tough job just getting fit and finding a place in the Celtic team without worrying about that, so I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

‘‘If I can get into the team here and play well, thing should hopefully come naturally. But I’m not taking anything for granted.’’

Injuries also blighted Petta’s progress on the domestic front as he watched his team-mates collect a second successive SPL title.

Petta had been a major factor in the success of Martin O’Neill’s first season.

But now he insists remaining injury-free this season must also become a priority ahead of Celtic’s friendly against Werder Bremen tonight.

Petta told celticfc.net: ‘‘Last season was difficult, so I’m really hoping that I can go through this one without picking up too many injuries.

‘‘That’s what every player wants, I suppose, and it would be terrific for me if I could get a sustained run in the team.

‘‘I’m getting there, but it’s happening more slowly than I would like.

‘‘To give you an idea, I did some running a few hours after we arrived yesterday and, although I’m normally all right with that, I felt myself get quite stiff later on.

‘‘That could be partly down to the travelling and the tiredness, but I intend to keep an eye on things just in case.

‘‘I’m definitely fitter now than I was three weeks ago, but there is still a lot of improvement to come, although fortunately there’s still plenty of time to do that.’’