I know the transfer trauma Virgil Van Dijk is facing, says former Celtic star Kelvin Wilson

KELVIN WILSON has a good idea of exactly what Virgil van Dijk is going through at the moment.

Just a couple of years ago, Wilson was a highly-rated central defender at Celtic and had clubs from down south wanting to sign him.

He eventually joined Nottingham Forest for £2.5 million in August, 2013, just 24 hours after helping the club win a crucial Champions League qualifier against Swedish side, Elfsborg.

Neil Lennon’s Hoops won the tie 1-0 on aggregate after a Kris Commons goal in the first leg at Parkhead proved to be enough.

The likeable Englishman left with a heavy heart but had to move for family reasons.

Tuesday night in Malmo could well be Van Dijk’s final outing in a Celtic jersey. Clubs such as Southampton, Everton, Norwich and Sunderland are all keen, and the smart money is on him being transferred for around £11 million later this week.

Wilson, 29, knows his former Hoops team-mates will be desperate to clinch that Champions League group stage place by defending their 3-2 first- leg lead to land the £18m jackpot.

He told The Sunday Post: “I keep an eye on the Celtic results. Once you’ve played for that great club, and had a small part in its history, then you have an affinity that will never leave you.

“The game against Malmo is massive. It’s hard to put into words just how important it is for the club, the players and the supporters.

“I was involved in a few Champions League qualifiers, and the overriding memory I have is the tension I felt before and during games.

“It’s hard to describe, but I felt my muscles were tense for a long spell and my body ended up stiff for a day afterwards.

“It’s strange to explain. It was more than tiredness. But a Champions League play-off game is like no other.

“There is a good squad at Celtic, and I believe they have the quality to get through this tie. I think they have an outstanding goalkeeper in Craig Gordon and an excellent centre-half in Virgil.

“Then you have Scott Brown and Nir Bitton running the show in the middle of the park.

“But Van Dijk is the stand out. I trained with him and played beside him and he is a special talent.

“He is powerful and very quick. He glides with the ball and makes things look easy.

“It doesn’t surprise me he is wanted by a few clubs in England.

“He could play in the English Premier League and excel in that company. He is an absolute machine, quality from head to toe.

“The next week or two will be interesting for him, but I’m certain his focus will be on Celtic and the game in midweek. His personal situation will take a backseat.”

Wilson watched the dramatic victory against Malmo last Wednesday, and will be on the edge of his seat for Tuesday’s return. If Celtic emerge victorious, he’ll be back in Glasgow to take in a group game, probably with former team-mates Gary Hooper and Joe Ledley.

Signed by Neil Lennon on a Bosman from Forest in 2011, Wilson said: “Things have changed at the club since I left.

“Obviously Neil Lennon is no longer in charge and Ronny Deila is the gaffer.

“Neil was a hard act to follow but Ronny managed to win the League and League Cup last season and was a decision away from the Treble.

“But he will be well aware of what this Malmo tie means. He has to get there and I think his players will do the job for him.

“Champions League nights are special. I’ll never forget being part of the famous victory against Barcelona in 2012. I still get goosebumps about that one.

“My last game was against Elfsborg.

“The club then went on to beat Karagandy in the final qualifier in 2013.

“To get through that season was so special. It gave the club extra kudos, millions of pounds in revenue and the players the chance to play on the top stage.

“It’s so special. I miss the European nights, I really do. The atmosphere generated by the Celtic fans on Champions League nights is like no other.”

Wilson achieved European ambitions at Celtic.

His next one to tick off is to play in the English Premier League with Forest, managed by Scotsman, Dougie Freedman.

The classy defender knows it’s a tall order and a demanding campaign is ahead.

“I’m really enjoying it at Forest,” he said. “Dougie Freedman is an excellent manager. He is young, switched on and tactically very good.

“It’s important we have a good season and we need to be pushing towards the top six.

“Having 46 League games means you need to be lucky when it comes to injuries and suspensions, but I’m optimistic.

“We play against quality teams every week and it’s a difficult league to get out of.

“But 18 out of the 24 clubs would fancy getting into the top six. I just hope we are lucky enough to be one of them.”

And his old club will hope they’ll get a bit of luck in Malmo on Tuesday night.

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