I’ve played just one game with Celtic but I already know I want a permanent transfer, says Moritz Jenz

MORITZ JENZ has revealed he already wants to stay at Celtic permanently.

The German defender could partner Cameron Carter-Vickers when the Hoops take on Kilmarnock.

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Moritz Jenz is already setting sights on staying at Celtic for goodCredit: Kenny Ramsay

Jenz wants to follow in his pal’s footsteps and turn a successful loan into a permanent move.

Celtic negotiated a buy option with Lorient when they signed the 23-year-old last month.

Jenz made a scoring debut against Ross County last weekend and has seen enough to want a long-term stay after just one appearance.

He said: “My goals are to win and help Celtic achieve as many targets as possible.

“Personally, I want to play consistently on a high level and improve as a player.

“I also want to be a part of Celtic for the long-term.

“I know Cameron did something similar last season with the loan. Our style is perfect for me and I’m really happy here.

“We have to develop step by step and hopefully that will get me to my highest level.

“The last week has been good. It was good to score my first goal last weekend and also to help us win the second game.

“But it was back to working hard. We need to keep producing these good performances.”

Jenz’s header in Dingwall sparked wild scenes of celebration as he was mobbed by fans behind the goal.

Ref Don Robertson opted not to flash a second yellow card — but the German won’t take any risks if he scores again today.

He said: “I have been warned to take care!

“Last week was pure joy, pure emotion when I ran into the crowd. This time, if I have the chance to score the goal I will be more settled.

“If I’m honest, I didn’t think about the consequences because it was pure joy.

It was my first game and I had adrenaline to play in front of 4,000 away supporters. When the goal happened in front of them I think anyone would have the same feeling of wanting to jump straight into the crowd to celebrate with our fans. It’s just normal instinct.”

Jenz hit it off with Carter-Vickers at County last weekend and would love to continue that partnership in the coming weeks.

But he’s taking nothing for granted, with the likes of Carl Starfelt, Stephen Welsh and Christopher Jullien also battling for a start.

He said: “It was great playing with Cameron and a fantastic start. Obviously we have been training together but that was our first time on the park.

“We have a good relationship, he is a fantastic guy and I really enjoyed playing with him.

“Let’s see what happens in the long term.

“We have a lot of good centre-backs and that type of competition is normal at a big club.

“It’s good for me, it’s good for my team-mates to keep pushing ourselves and going to our limits.

“That will make us better as a team and individuals.

The way we play is the way I want to play, to step into midfield and pick the passes, to be very high to regain the ball when we lose it.

“It’s the perfect way for the centre-backs we have at the club and it suits the whole team.”

Jenz will get his first taste of the Premiership’s plastic surfaces if he gets the nod against Killie.

But the German isn’t fazed by that prospect and insists Celtic will know exactly what to expect at Rugby Park.

He said: “We have prepared on plastic. It’s obviously a different surface, more sticky and difficult.

“But we have to get used to it and make sure we play our game on Sunday.

“Obviously we don’t play on these surfaces every week so it is quite unusual for the team.

“It’s not the same as grass where the ball runs much smoother when it’s wet.

“It’s more bobbly because of the granules on the field.

At the end of the day we need to be focused, be clean in our actions and then we have a good chance.”

Jenz played a key role as Celtic finally broke down Ross County last Saturday to take all three points. The Staggies made life difficult for Postecoglou’s men but he was impressed with their refusal to panic.

Jenz added: “Of course we expect Kilmarnock to be difficult, to be very defensive and try to hit us on the counter.

“But we will play our game like we always do.

“We will be patient, we will play attacking football and we will put a lot of pressure on them and try to take our chances.

“Patience will be so important. It was the same last week and we will need it in every game.

“We will have a lot of the ball but we must take our time and be clinical when the scoring chances come our way.”

Jenz admits it would be a dream to get his first taste of Champions League football.

The group stage draw takes place on Thursday, August 25, in Turkey, with all the big guns lying in wait for Celts.

Jenz said: “That’s something everyone is looking forward to.

“This is a massive football club and it deserves to be in the Champions League. Celtic belongs there and I think everyone is looking forward to those nights.”

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