Martin O'Neill has insisted that new Celtic hero Camilo Duran has already repaid his big bucks summer transfer fee. The Colombian ace slammed in a stunning double after Benjamin Nygren's superb opener as the Hoops lashed LASK 3-0 in a Champions League play-off first leg cracker at Parkhead.
O'Neill hails bargain signing
O'Neill hailed his side for taking a huge step towards the group stage – and former Qarabag man Duran stole the show. The Parkhead boss said: "Whatever we paid for Duran, I think he has paid his ticket by now, and he's only entered his fourth game.
"I don't think it was an awful lot of money when you consider some of the fees that we're talking about for Premier League players. I think he's a real bargain—£4.5 million or so. He was exceptional. Really exceptional, I said to him. He's been fantastic for us since he's arrived at the football club.
"His goals were terrific, his play was great. His running back, helping full backs, helping Kobe out on a number of occasions. It was just a magnificent performance. If he stays clear of injury. He's going to be a really, really good player."
Three-goal lead not enough for O'Neill
O'Neill was thrilled to head to Austria with a three-goal lead – but he insisted the tie is not done and dusted. He said: "The game is absolutely in the balance. I didn't even have to say it in the dressing room. The players absolutely know this.
"I think we've shown we are capable of scoring, and that's what we'll probably need to do. They are a fine side. It's not a done deal at all, but it's something to look forward to.
"The goals was fantastic—good enough to win any football match. But we've got a long way to go. I thought there were periods where we played some really fantastic stuff, there were periods where they played some fantastic stuff. It was really like a basketball game, particularly in the first half. We rode a little bit of luck.
"We had a bit of luck—they had a great chance in the first minute, just marginally offside. They had a great chance a moment or two after that. So, they started the brighter, and it took us time to get going. When we did, then we scored.
"The goal allowed us to take a bit of pressure off and gave us the lead, but it was absolutely in the balance. You see that because they are a good side and they had opportunities themselves to score. So despite the handsome lead you take across there, you're not by any means thinking it's over."
Youngster Donovan impresses
O'Neill was delighted with his entire squad but youngster Colby Donovan earned a pat on the back for his gutsy display. The full back stepped in for injured Alistair Johnston – with the Canadian ace set for more scans in the next 24 hours to discover the full extent of his hamstring injury amid fears he could be out for months rather than weeks.
Donovan rose to the occasion and O'Neill said: "He did great. He really did great. He's got a big, big heart, and that's nice to see. Really nice to see. He's a local lad as well and loves it.
"His enthusiasm is boundless. He stuck to his task brilliantly tonight. It's great to see a young player like that, just showing no sign of fear or nerves, or just go out and attack the game like that. He just goes for it. He's always trying to improve his game, trying to improve his first touch, things like this here.
"Johnston is actually doing a scan tomorrow, so we might have some idea then."
