Lukasz Zaluska admits he only became a goalkeeper because he was a "rubbish striker". The Celtic shot-stopper has impressed boss Tony Mowbray this season and is now vying with his fellow Pole, Artur Boruc, for the number one spot at Parkhead.

However, the former Dundee United and Korona Kielce player revealed that keeping goal was not his childhood ambition.

"Why did I want to be a goalkeeper? It's because I was a rubbish striker," the 27-year-old told the Celtic View.

"My first coach said to me, 'Lukasz, you will never be a good striker, but if you stay in goal and try to catch the ball you will do well'.

"I think every boy wants to be a striker, score goals and celebrate with the supporters. But when there is a goal, it is because of the goalkeeper.

"That's why I love my job and enjoy every training session.

"I am the last man and I have to speak to the defenders a lot because I see everything that happens on the pitch.

"It is very important for the goalkeeper to speak all the time, to be focused and concentrated."

Zaluska admits he may have the personality traits traditionally associated with goalkeepers.

"It's very difficult to come out and call myself crazy," he said.

"But I think every goalkeeper is a little bit mad because we have to do extreme things like dive for the ball towards the strikers' legs."