Jurassic Jarosik hopes for a monster season

CELTIC'S sizeable Czech, Jiri Jarosik, would have been big in Japan. Instead, the 6ft 4in summer signing stayed put this week, even if he is sporting Celtic's new away kit, as he reflects on last weekend's impressive league bow at home to Kilmarnock.

The towering 28-year old found the target and the home fans discovered him. They noted his monster presence, decided he could play a bit too, and, wrestling with the pronunciation of his surname, settled on a suitable nickname. So, Jarosik has turned Jurassic.

"It was a good start for me, getting that goal against Kilmarnock," says Jarosik softly. He doesn't roar like a dinosaur and his mild manner is at odds with that rampaging on-field demeanour. "It was a very nice step along the way." He's treading a fresh path with full confidence.

The opening weekend of the Scottish Premierleague was a profitable one for the Czech contingent in this country. Jarosik bagged a goal on his debut, then his former Sparta Prague colleague Libor Sionko did likewise the next day for Rangers at Fir Park. Hearts hit the net twice in their victory at Dunfermline, courtesy of Roman Bednar and Michel Pospisil. That's a combination of four Czechs scoring for the top three teams in Scotland.

"All of the Czech players made good starts to the season," says Jarosik, who, as well as Sionko, knows Michel Pospisil from Sparta Prague days. "Yes, I played with Michel at Sparta. He is a good striker. I spoke with him before I signed for Celtic." What did you ask him about? "Oh, the usual things. The weather, the country, the people."

Next Tuesday, Hearts begin a qualifying battle with AEK Athens in an attempt to join Celtic in the Champions League, while this afternoon the defending Scottish champions clash with last season's domestic runners-up at Tynecastle. It is a chance for both clubs to affirm their title credentials and silence their doubters. And for Jarosik and Pospisil, once team-mates, it is a reunion to relish.

Jarosik says he watched Hearts' Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hibs last season on television. His switch to Celtic was some way off at that point but on loan to Birmingham from Chelsea, he heard plenty about Celtic from Chris Sutton and Olivier Tebily.

"I watched Hearts defeat Hibs in that cup match and I remember they were very strong, very physical. They must have played very well last season to finish second. They seem a very good team. Sunday will be a difficult game for us, but we want a win."

Though he only made three Premiership starts under Jose Mourinho (it's not easy to dislodge Claude Makelele, then Michael Essien, from the first 11), and was then sent to struggling Birmingham, before he reached the UK Jarosik was used to playing big roles in winning teams. He likes Celtic already.

"Everywhere I've been I've played for the big club, whether it was Sparta Prague, CSKA Moscow, Chelsea, now Celtic. Teams that need to win every game. I like having that winning mentality. At Birmingham it was quite different, but then I was happy there at the time because I needed to play. Missing out is no good for me."

In his Sparta days, Jarosik was a playmaker, delivering some fine Champions League displays. Bayern Munich once bid for him but were turned down. Later he went to CSKA Moscow to become Russia's highest-paid footballer. He had two great seasons and the gap left behind when he went to Chelsea was greater than the subsequent impact he made in London. He couldn't prevent Birmingham's relegation, but he ended up their top scorer. Not bad for a midfielder whose pace isn't exactly electric.

The Celtic fans saw what his game was all about last week. He possesses aerial power, a great shot and, despite the lack of speed, he likes getting into the opposition penalty box. He was paired with Stilian Petrov in midfield, with Neil Lennon suspended. It is natural to view Jarosik as Petrov's ready replacement should the Bulgarian get the move he's been wishing for.

Past managers, like Mourinho and Steve Bruce, have praised Jarosik's versatility - he has even operated as a centre-half - and while being versatile often leads to the dreaded utility tag, Jarosik is more than that.

Though he has gained 20 caps for his country, he cannot convince current national coach Karel Bruckner to select him. "I was disappointed not to go to the World Cup. I wanted to, but was not given the chance. Our country has some very good midfielders." The lack of speed may count against Jarosik, given the high-tempo game operated by the Czechs.

He doesn't fancy his international fortunes turning quickly either. "Bruckner has signed a new contract, so that's bad news for me. Everybody wants to play for their national team. But I have the Scottish League and the Champions League. That is enough."

After Hearts today, Celtic have a final friendly match with Chelsea. Jarosik is looking forward to that, and he should receive a warm welcome from the Chelsea fans. Their manager did not really need him in the end, but Celtic do. Perhaps this giant soft-spoken Czech can make Celtic Park his stomping ground this season, transforming it into Jurassic's park.

GARY SUTHERLAND

Taken from the Scotsman