Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has admitted that a winter break has been wholly welcomed by him and his teammates.

The Scottish champions flew out to the Canary Islands last week for a friendly tournament against PSV Eindhoven and Sparta Prague.

With a busy month ahead for the Bhoys that will see them compete in four competitions, Van Dijk believes that some time in the sun will do the squad good.

"Training has been good. We need to take some rest and enjoy these days because the programme we've had over the past few months has been very busy," the Dutchman told the club's official website.

"I'm not sure people on the outside understand how it is but you do need a break and it's good to go to somewhere with the sun and relax."

Van Dijk has been linked with a move away from Celtic, but he recently revealed that the club will not allow him to leave.

Written by
Jack Prescott