I’m loving it, every time they play that song – Celtic new boy Aaron Mooy is living his Champions League dream

HEARING the Champions League tune is music to Aaron Mooy’s ears.

But the midfielder can’t believe his eyes when he sees how well Celtic’s youngsters orchestrate things in the biggest club tournament on the planet.

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Mooy is loving every minute of playing in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

Mooy celebrated his 32nd birthday yesterday after a second-half substitute appearance in the 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk the night before.

The clash in Warsaw was one the Hoops should have won, but they failed to make the most of their chances.

Aussie summer signing Mooy is now one of the older heads in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Seven of the starters on Wednesday were under 25. When he was their age Mooy was starting out again Down Under after struggling to settle into life in the UK first time around.

So he marvels at the way they handle playing at the highest level and is convinced it proves why many could be destined for the very top in the years ahead.

Mooy said: “There is so much talent in the squad.

“I try to think back to what I was doing at their age and I wasn’t that good.

“It was maybe ten years ago. I try to think back to then and I wasn’t like they are.

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“Is it a fearlessness? Yeah, it is just a belief inside, I think.

“You never stop improving, so all these guys can go to very high levels if they keep working.

“When I was that young I wasn’t that good, but if you keep working hard you can get to a decent level. But these guys have already started at a high level. That shows they can go all the way.”

Mooy was sent on midway through the second half to try and help the Hoops convert their dominance against the Ukrainian champions into a winning goal.

They couldn’t take the chances they created though and had to settle for a first point of the campaign instead.

Mooy said: “I thought we did quite well. We created lots and had enough chances to win.

“We just lacked a little bit of composure and concentration when we had the chances. That’s all it was.

“Everyone’s different, but I try not to think about the occasion and try to think only about the actual football and the game.

“But everyone is comfortable with how we want to play and follow what we do in training.

“That’s what we are doing. We were just a little bit off.

“I’m a bit older, so maybe it’s a bit different for the younger guys out there.

“But we believe in ourselves and that is what you have to do if you want to compete at this level and try to win games.

“There was frustration. It was a bit similar to Real Madrid in that we had good chances and we didn’t put them away.

“It was a bit disappointing we didn’t get a win, but the manager was quite happy.

“He said the second half was good and he was proud of us all for giving everything we had.

“But we are playing against the best teams in Europe, so every point is well earned.

“We maybe could have earned a little bit more, but you take a point and move forwards.”

Mooy had made his Champions League bow off the bench in the opening defeat to Real Madrid.

The Australian joined the Hoops after a move to China didn’t work out and insists he is living out a lifelong dream.

Mooy said: “Yeah, it’s amazing. I’m loving it, every time they play that song.

“I always dreamt of hearing that music when I was playing.

“Even when I’m coming on in matches, it’s an amazing feeling.

“You watch the Champions League on the TV growing up and you hear the song and you think one day, could you imagine playing in that.

“I think of the Asian Champions League and the knockout phase is still a good level, but Europe is the biggest when it comes to club football.”

Mooy will be involved in Sunday’s Premiership clash at St Mirren before the 52-cap star heads off on international duty.

The Socceroos face a friendly double-header with New Zealand, hosting the Kiwis in Brisbane, then travelling to Auckland.

They’re the final clashes for Graham Arnold’s side before the World Cup in November.

Mooy added: “It’s another really big spell of football, but that’s exactly what you want.”

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