NEIL LENNON has predicted that Moi Elyounoussi will ‘catch fire’ after the Norwegian netted the match winner in the win over Riga in the Europa League Third Qualifying Round. The winger came off the bench as the game looked to be headed for extra-time in Latvia. Elyounoussi scored his third goal of the season, all of which have been in Europe, after he replaced Odsonne Edouard.
The manager heaped praise upon Elyounoussi’s professionalism after being taken out of the starting XI but still training to a high level and being able to come in to the team and influence games. Speaking after the game, Lennon told the Daily Record that he was delighted with the player, hoping the goal would kickstart the attacker’s season.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. We took him out of the team for a couple of games and he’s trained brilliantly over the last week or so.
“He took the goal fantastically well and he’s a great example to the rest of the squad. His attitude is great.
“He’s worked really hard in training and I thought he looked good. He was probably unfortunate not to get on a bit earlier.
“But he’s come up with a really important goal for the team and the club.
“Hopefully, that will set his season on fire. He’s a great player and a great boy and I’m delighted with him.”
With a potential injury to James Forrest, Neil Lennon will surely be considering utilising Elyounoussi on the left hand side with Jeremie Frimpong operating off the right. Both players made a significant impact as the Scottish Champions booked their place in the Play-Off round where they will play Sarajevo.
Elyounoussi returned on a season-long loan from Southampton after his initial loan was cut short due to Coronavirus. He was impressive in a spell of his loan before injury hit.
