Karim Touzani, Aberdeen's Dutch player, admits he has enjoyed seeing countryman Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink settle so well into life in the Premierleague, but wants the Celtic striker's mood quelled at Pittodrie today.

The Netherlands striker has scored 12 goals for Celtic since his August switch from PSV Eindhoven, despite picking up a series of niggling injuries, and was named the Bank of Scotland Premierleague player of the month for January.

Touzani also moved from his homeland in the summer and despite an injury-plagued start to his Aberdeen career, the former Ajax trainee is loving life in the north.

His presence at Aberdeen continues a strong tradition, with Pittodrie having been a successful second home for several Dutch players over the years, including goalkeeper Theo Snelders, Hans Gillhaus and Willem van der Ark.

Touzani believes that it is no coincidence that, like him, Vennegoor of Hesselink has settled in well in Scotland and has also been able to make his mark with Celtic so soon.

"It depends on the person regarding how quickly you can get used to life in a new country," said the Aberdeen defender. "But the people in Scotland are nice and it is easy to make friends, so in that way it is not really that different to Holland.

"This is the first time I have lived outside Holland and I have found it very easy to settle in Scotland.

"Myself and my wife are very happy in Aberdeen and there have been no problems since we moved here.

"Before I came to Scotland I spoke with Theo Snelders and he was very positive about Aberdeen and said the best part of his life was spent here. That meant a lot to me and I have really liked my time in Aberdeen so far."

While Vennegoor of Hesselink has shown his potency in front of goal since his arrival at Parkhead, Touzani believes that the 28-year-old's greatest attributes are his strength and link-up play and recognises Aberdeen will have to limit his influence at Pittodrie today.

With Aberdeen still chasing the runners-up spot in the Premierleague and the qualifying berth for the Champions League that accompanies it, Touzani warned: "Jan's size and power are big parts of his game and because of that he can make other players perform well.

"He is a good player to have in your team and someone who you can always give the ball to."

Touzani, whose deal at Pittodrie expires at the end of the season, has been offered a new contract by Jimmy Calderwood, the Aberdeen manager, and the 26-year-old expects to be able to put pen to paper this month.

"The club have said that they want to give me a new contract and I hope my agent can come over during February so that we can sort everything out."