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FORMER Celtic star Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has urged Virgil van Dijk to choose his next move with extreme care if he wants to become a Holland star.

The likes of Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Southampton and a host of Bundesliga clubs have all been credited with an interest in the £10million-rated stopper.

Vennegoor of Hesselink reckons his countryman has reached a pivotal point and insists he has to pick his next club wisely if he wants to break into the Dutch side.

But Big Jan, who won 19 caps, has warned the stopper that the grass isn’t always greener after leaving Parkhead.

Vennegoor of Hesselink, who is now scouting for Feyenoord, said: “When I speak to players from Holland who were at Celtic or Rangers, they all say they had a great time here. Sometimes you look where they moved on to and some go really high then go back down again.

(Image: Craig Williamson/SNS Group)

“They go to a club and then boom. Van Dijk has to choose a stable club and one that is good for his development.

“He needs a team that can maybe help him become a regular in the Dutch squad.

“Sometimes when you play in a better league against better strikers, you get lifted as a player. But I would warn him that the grass is not always greener.”

The hitman found that out himself back in 2009 when he left the Hoops to join Hull in England’s top flight.

After challenging for honours every season with Celtic, he found it a culture shock battling against the drop.

So he hopes van Dijk signs for a club that can make an impact in the upper echelons of the Premier League if he moves south.

Vennegoor of Hesselink said: “When he stops playing football van Dijk will realise he played for a really big club in Celtic.

(Image: Action Images)

“I joined Hull at 30 and it was all about the experience of the Premier League. I loved playing in all the big stadiums.

“But at Celtic you have good players around you and you play for trophies. You also get to enjoy European football.

“Then I went Hull where I was fighting again to make myself known.

“It was a different mindset and it is not always easy to adapt again.”

Meanwhile, Celtic have announced they will head to Spain for a pre-season friendly against SD Eibar.

The game will be one of the main events of the Basque side’s 75th anniversary celebrations and Ronny Deila’s men will use the contest to help their preparations for the Champions League qualifiers.

The Hoops will also face Morton in a testimonial match for Cappielow kitman Andy Bryan. The game will be played on Monday, July 13 at Cappielow in recognition of Bryan's 40 years service with the club.