Fernandez hopes for improvement

David Fernandez hopes to finally make his mark at Celtic after admitting last season had been a traumatic experience.

Fernandez found it difficult to break into manager Martin O’Neill’s first-team after his move from Livingston and suffered the agony of UEFA Cup and Scottish Premier League disappointment.

“What happened last season was really sad for me,” said Fernandez. “However, it is important I get over it. “I must try not to think of last season now because if I did I would kill myself!

“This is a new season for me and I have to start again. Every chance I get I try to play well.

“But it is very difficult because there are so many good players at this club.

“I was so switched off from football this summer because last season was so poor. It hurt. I stayed with my friends and family.

“There were still moments during the break when I did think about what happened, however, I tried to keep some of the things from my family because you don’t want it to get to them.

“They told me this season is going to be mine and I hope they’re right.”