As far as debuts go, Junior Adamu couldn’t have asked for a better one.
Adamu scored his first goal for Celtic in the 2-1 Scottish Cup win against Dundee in extra-time.
The Austrian’s neat backheeled flick in the 97th minute saved the Hoops from embarrassment before Sebastian Tounekti went on to score the winner.
Martin O’Neill singled out Tounekti for his game-changing display off the bench, and Adamu revealed that he was also given an encouraging message before being introduced to the Bhoys faithful.
How good was Junior Adamu’s goal against Dundee?
Credit: Celtic TV/YouTube What Martin O’Neill said to Junior Adamu before Celtic debut
After coming on for Tomas Cvancara in the 79th minute, the 24-year-old was immediately under pressure to deliver and duly did.
He went on to say that his debut effort was “one of the most important” goals he had scored in his career.
That extra spring in his step may have been down to what O’Neill said after he told the Freiburg loanee that he was ready for the challenge.
“He said I should be ready. My teammates told me the same. I was ready, and when I came in, I gave my best,” said the forward.
“I used the opportunity, and I am happy it went in.”
Celtic now have firepower off the bench
Although Cvancara didn’t score himself, it was a welcome relief to see that an attacking player could come off the bench and make an impact.
Given the situation Celtic are in, they can’t afford to wait for players to get up to speed.
You can pick one forward to sign permanently for Celtic in the summer. Who are you picking?
Adamu or Cvancara?
Credit: Getty Images/Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Zak Mauger
Joel Mvuka was handed a start but struggled whereas the former Red Bull Salzburg man gave an indication of what he can do.
A busy run of fixtures awaits and they will need all the firepower they have.
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