The winger started in the 0-0 draw on August 31 last year but quickly realised he wasn't up to the physical demands of playing in Scotland.

Balikwisha had been given the backing of manager Mark Van Bommel, who told him he would be up to the standard in the Scottish Premiership.

But he faced a rude awakening over the intensity as he was left gasping for air and with his 'thighs on fire'.

The winger even revealed a team-mate had to go to hospital for a check-up after being left totally drained by playing for Celtic under Martin O'Neill.

"When I left Royal Antwerp to sign for Celtic, the manager Mark van Bommel told me I would be flying in Scotland," said Balikwisha.

"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!"

Balikwisha claimed Celtic rejected a loan bid for him in January and ultimately ended up costing him a spot at the World Cup.

He 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."