Since returning to Celtic after starring for the Socceroos in the World Cup in Qatar, Aaron Mooy has been in outstanding form in the Celtic midfield scoring six goals and contributing to two others via assists. And he was in fine form today, scoring the pick of the five goals scored at McDiarmid Park in Celtic’s comfortable 4-1 win that restored the nine points lead at the top of the league looking down on theRangers.
Mooy, speaking to BBC Sportsound after the match spoke about what Ange Postecoglou asks of him in a Celtic shirt, and the fans favourite was as modest as always, preferring to do his talking on the park rather than in these interviews which he brings on himself with Man of the Match performances.
On what the Celtic manager asks of him, Mooy said: “There’s lots of details that go into that. Just positionally, in movements, defensively, when have the ball and when we don’t. There are lots of things but I’m just trying to improve and get better at it. Yeah, that’s it… it’s simple.
“It’s a good team to play in, it’s enjoyable. We play good football, there’s lots of movement. When I have the ball there are lots of people making runs – that’s what I like. I like to play the ball in behind sometimes and yeah it’s an enjoyable place to play.”
On his goal, Mooy said: “I sorta knew what I was going to do in my head before the ball came. My first touch was good so once I took that first touch I knew I could lift it over him (the St Johnstone goalkeeper Remi Matthews).”
We reported this morning on Ange Postecoglou, with the January transfer window now closed, plans to turn his attention to securing the three players who will have, come May, only one season remaining on their current deal. The Celtic manager accordingly wants to extend the contracts of these three players IF the players want to stay. They are Mooy, the goalkeeper Joe Hart and David Turnbull who scored the fourth Celtic goal this afternoon in Perth.
Speaking on Sky Sports Mooy wouldn’t be drawn on a new contract saying he’s only thinking about the present when he was asked about his long-term future. “‘Long-term?’ I’m getting a bit older. I’m just enjoying what I’m doing day-by-day. That’s as far as I think ahead – we’ll see,” Mooy said with a huge smile on his face.
"So Aaron tell us about your goal today"
I kicked it in the goal, so yeah. pic.twitter.com/z1YMeNg32n
— 🏴 Boyle🇻🇦 (@Boyle_67) February 5, 2023
Hard to believe that either him or Joe Hart will have to be persuaded to stay at Celtic although David Turnbull might be concerned about his lack of starting opportunities with Celtic having so many top quality midfielders.
Ideally all three will sign new deals.
