Michel-Ange Balikwisha has reflected on his nightmare Celtic spell, revealing astonishing details.

The forward was brought to Glasgow from Royal Antwerp for £4.5 million and endured an utter nightmare of a spell, playing just 398 minutes despite being fit throughout his debut season.

He remained unwanted by three separate managers and failed to show fans any signs of encouragement in his rare first-team appearcnes.

Reflecting on his spell, he has revealed wanting to be substituted ten minutes into his debut, the club refusing to allow him a loan move for game time and the intensity of training under Martin O’Neill.

The 25-year-old said: “I played in the African Cup of Nations with Congo and when I returned, Wilfried Nancy was gone, and Celtic were playing a catch-up race in the league.

“Martin O’Neill didn’t want me in his squad anymore. It was as if I was paying the price for being away. But I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t playing.

“A three-month loan deal from the MLS was offered, but ultimately Celtic refused the loan. That was when I knew immediately the World Cup was gone for me. That hurt because I had contributed to Congo’s qualification. But life doesn’t stop and I hope there will be more World Cups for me.

“My girlfriend and daughters were having a hard time in Glasgow too. If they are unhappy, so am I.”

He had expected a much easier spell in Glasgow, recalling: “When I left Royal Antwerp to sign for Celtic, the manager Mark van Bommel told me I would be flying in Scotland. But it turned out I wasn’t physically ready for Celtic.

“It’s four times more intense than it is in Belgium. In my first match against Rangers, I wanted to ask to be substituted after ten minutes. It is sprint after sprint after sprint, even after a throw-in. My thighs caught fire. Every training session is like a match.

“Martin O’Neill forced the strikers to make extra runs. I was already knocked out, but after that I was in the dressing room stone dead. There was a teammate who thought he was going to die – he had to go to hospital for a check-up!”

He is now back on loan in Belgium with Gent.