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Fullname: Glenn Loovens
Height; 5.10
Weight: 11.09
Born: 22 Oct 1983
Birthplace: Doetinchem, Holland
Position: Defender
Internationals: Netherlands
International Caps: 1 (Upto 5/09/2009)

KDS Honours
MOTM Winners 2008-09
12-May-09	Celtic 2-1 Dundee Utd	SPL
24-May-09	Celtic 0-0 Hearts	SPL

Biog

Dutch defender Glenn Loovens became Celtic's fourth signing of summer 2008 when he arrived at Parkhead for an undisclosed fee from Cardiff City on August 16th.

A centre-half, Loovens began his professional football career at Feyenoord. He made his debut for the Rotterdam club in season 2001-02 season but after failing to hold down a regular starting spot was later loaned to Excelsior and De Graafschap. A Dutch Under 21 international, Loovens joined Championship no marks Cardiff on a season long loan (2005-2006).

The defender quickly became a fans favourite and a key player for the Bluebirds and in the summer of 2006 he agreed a £180,000 permanent switch to ramshackle Ninian Park. Loovens was a stand out in the Cardiff side which shocked English football by making it to the 2008 FA Cup final. The Dutchman played in every tie - including the final - and impressed with his consistant and solid performances in the heart of defence.

By the summer of 2008 ambitious Loovens realised his chances of a full international call-up were limited while he remained in the relative backwaters of the English Championship. Rangers were exceptionally eager to land the Dutchman but Celtic then made a surprise move for the defender who they snapped up from under the noses of their rivals.

However in his first season at the club the big defender was given little opportunity by Hoops boss Gordon Strachan to dislodge the McManus/Caldwell partnership at the heart of the Hoops. When he did step in - usually due to injury - Loovens produced some solid if not spectacular performances and was rewarded with a League Cup winners medal after a fine performance against Rangers in place of the absent McManus.

With the arrival of Tony Mowbrary as the new Celtic manager in the summer of 2009 Loovens finally got the chance to push for a starting berth. With McManus out injured the Dutchman produced some fine early season displays and his good form was rewarded on September 5th when he picked up his first full international cap in a 3-1 friendly victory over Japan.

However, although now established as a regular first team starter, Looven's form has unquestionably dipped. As Celtic enter 2010 it remains to be seen if Glenn can cement a long term future as a first choice Celtic centre-half.

Playing Career

Years	Club	App (Gls)*
2001–2006	Feyenoord	27 (0)
2003–2004	Excelsior (loan)	24 (2)
2004–2005	De Graafschap (loan)	11 (0)
2005–2006	Cardiff City (loan)	33 (2)
2006–2008	Cardiff City	67 (1)
2008–	Celtic _____________________	00 (0) ________

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