James Copnall BBC Sport, Conakry

Celtic get more fans abroad thanks to Balde's popularity

Alongside Momo Sylla, the giant defender is one of two members of the Syli National who ply their trade with the Scottish giants.

And Balde, mindful of the fact that African fans wear mainly locally-made replica shirts in honour of their favourite stars, decided to give his compatriots a treat.

"I brought about 100 tops from the club for some people here, because they support me and they support Celtic - and I wanted to thank them for that," Balde told the BBC Sport website.

"It would be good to have lots of Celtic fans here in Guinea, and all over Africa too."

With shirts retailing at nearly �50 pounds each, it was a generous gesture by the giant defender.

It also meant that during Guinea's decisive 3-0 win over Ethiopia, a result that took the Syli National to the 2004 African Nations Cup, many in the crowd were wearing authentic Celtic tops.

Yet Balde did not only bring shirts, for many fans could be seen waving banners displaying the words - 'Bobo's Going to Get You'.

Balde wins the hearts of Guinean fans

Celtic reached the UEFA Cup final last year, and ran perennial rivals Rangers to the wire in the league, which thus simplifies Balde's ambitions for next season.

"We will try to be better than last year, but that will be difficult," he said.

"We have to try and get to the Champions League final, or the UEFA Cup final. We will try to do our best."

For the moment however, the defender is simply relishing Guinea's qualification for the Nations Cup finals in Tunisia next year.

"Now I can go back to Scotland and play for Celtic happily."