Having moved from CSKA Sofia to Celtic in 1999 he originally wondered if he could take the pace of the Scottish game but has since become a firm favourite at Celtic Park.

He scored the goal that clinched the Championship for Celtic this year against Kilmarnock, and was one of four nominees for the Scottish Players’ Player of the Year award.

He is also the current Bulgarian Player of the Year, having received the award in December 2003 for his part in guiding Bulgaria to Euro 2004 and Celtic to The UEFA Cup Final.