Calum Butcher says Nadir Ciftci has been shaken by his six-game SFA ban but added that it’s time for the Turk to screw the head.
Butcher saw his former Dundee United team-mate and flat-mate hit with a six-match ban after being found guilty of biting Dundee’s Jim McAlister during the final derby of last season. Ciftci stands to suffer another two-game suspension if he is found guilty of any excessive misconduct in the season ahead.
Ciftci, who was playing for the Tangerines at the time, has since joined Celtic, but won’t be available to play domestic football for Ronny Deila’s men until September.
Butcher, who’s now playing for Burton Albion, is a big fan of Turkish ace Ciftci, but insists he can no longer lose the head.
Butcher said: “I think Nadir has got a fright. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”
He added: “What’s happened in the past has happened so he just has to deal with it. But at a huge club like Celtic he’ll be under the microscope much more which he knows.
“I dare say opposition players will try and wind him up as they know he’s got that wee explosive edge.
“But it’s up to him not to react when he’s out there in a Celtic jersey.”
Englishman Butcher grew close to Ciftci while the pair shared digs during their two-year stint in Dundee, and knows the talented Turk will always have a competitive streak running through his veins.
Butcher said: “He’s my mate and I know how passionate he is about his football. But if you take that edge away then we wouldn’t be the same player.
“It’s about getting a balance for Nadir between will to win and keeping the head.
“He will obviously be a huge miss during the start of the season. But knowing him as I do he’ll be even more determined to make amends and will be training so hard every day.
“He’ll be desperate to take his chance and if he plays to his potential then he can still have a special season for Celtic.”