Kolo Toure can inspire young Celtic players, says assistant Chris Davies

Assistant manager Chris Davies hopes Kolo Toure will prove to be an "inspirational figure" at Celtic.

The former Liverpool centre-back, 35, signed a one-year deal at Parkhead on Sunday but is not in the travelling party for a trip to Kazakhstan, ahead of the first leg of a third-round qualifier against Astana.

"I am really pleased," said Davies, who was second-in-command to Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. "Obviously we worked with Kolo at Liverpool, he brings two things: he's a top defender who is good with the ball and he also brings a real authority and experience.

"He is an inspirational figure so we are not only getting a really good player but someone who can inspire players around them to help the team and younger players.

"He has been working with a personal trainer so it is an important week physically for him and we will see how it goes.''

It has been reported that Celtic have had a fourth bid of #2.75million for winger Scott Sinclair turned down by Aston Villa.

However, Davies, who confirmed Kristoffer Ajer will not travel due to a thumb problem, said: "It would obviously be disrespectful for us talk about a player who belongs to another club.

"The club are working behind the scenes to bring players in who will make a difference.

"It has got to be the right deal and right players. We are focusing on the players who are playing."

Of Astana, he said: "It is going to be a tough game, they are a physical team who have quality."