Martin O’Neill has revealed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made a bigger impression than even he anticipated after delivering a crucial late strike that kept Celtic’s title hopes alive…
The recently arrived midfielder marked his first appearance for the Hoops in spectacular fashion, rifling home an injury-time winner in the 91st minute to break Livingston’s resistance and send Celtic Park into raptures.
O’Neill spoke of his delight at the immediate influence of Oxlade-Chamberlain, who came off the substitutes’ bench to produce a moment of brilliance that ultimately decided the contest.
O’Neill said via Daily Record: “Did I think that he might actually make a little bit of an impact, even in the few moments? Yes. Did I think he was going to score a wonder goal like that there? Not really, but I was hoping that he would add a bit of calmness to the situation.”
“When Livingston equalised then, of course, the crowd got very, very anxious. When we take two or three extra passes, there’s a feeling, which I’d known about way back in my time as well, to the minute that goes back once or twice.”
“You can understand a bit of frustration, but you just felt as if he added that wee bit of class to us.”
The appearance marked his first competitive outing since his departure from Besiktas earlier in May.
O’Neill added: “He’s been a class player, there’s no question about it. He’s played for big teams and he’s performed brilliantly. He’s incredibly modest about his achievements in the game and he wants to do well.”
“I think he thought to himself, he’s 32 years of age and he should be at the peak of his career. He’s come up here and he wants to have a go, which is great.”
On the Ibrox club dropping points at Fir Park courtesy of a late equaliser from Celtic academy graduate Stephen Welsh, the Hoops boss said: “I think there will be a few twists and turns. We’ve got no room to manoeuvre. We find ourselves in this position, so we’ve been chasing the whole way. What we’ve done tonight, we’ve kept ourselves in it.”
“It’s easy to say that you don’t look at the table. Of course you do. But it’s one thing looking at the table. It’s fine staring at it. The other thing is trying to do something about it. And that’s all we can do. I’m not in control of anything else.”
Conor Spence
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Very well done Celtic! We all knew that the road ahead will be a little rough, but as we know, and much to the hate from other teams, Celtic play to the last whistle!! We never stop, and just keep going. Welcome to CelticMr Chamberlin, and what an introduction to the Paradise Faithful. It looks like you are going to fit in perfectly.