Camilo Duran netted a sensational double to sink LASK and put Celtic on the brink of the lucrative Champions League league phase. The Colombian forward's all-action display earned 'world-class' praise from manager Martin O'Neill.
Duran's Double Seals 3-0 Lead
Duran's two strikes were sensational and belonged at the highest level. His unstoppable volley blew the roof off Parkhead and fired Celtic 2-0 up after Benjamin Nygren's cracking opener. Then, the outstanding pair combined as Duran curled a beauty into the top bin to help Celtic plant one foot in the Champions League.
Like the 60,000 fans crammed inside Parkhead, Duran couldn't pick his favourite goal. He hopes his super-showing can help the Hoops rejoin Europe's big boys as O'Neill's men take a priceless 3-0 lead over to Austria for next week's second leg.
Duran Reflects on 'Crazy' Night
Duran said: 'I'm just happy for the work the team has done. Now we need to rest and continue working with humility. I know that the next game is waiting for us. We have to do our best over there, the same as we did on Wednesday night. With God's help, we'll get through this phase, which is what we obviously all want. Scoring a goal like those ones in this stadium, with all the people, with the place absolutely full, is so crazy. I hope to keep scoring many more. I don't know which goal was better. For me, both were incredible.'
Duran is no stranger to scoring in the Champions League. The silky frontman ran riot last year, notching against Benfica, Ajax and Newcastle, plus a double versus Frankfurt. Despite firing Qarabag to the knockouts, Duran insists he's never felt anything quite like a Euro night in Glasgow's east end.
Adapting to a New Role
Duran isn't even playing in his strongest position. A natural-born striker, the 24-year-old has been shifted to the right wing to accommodate record signing Kasper Hogh. But electric Duran hasn't taken the petted lip. He was given a standing ovation by the crowd after making a lung-bursting dart back to help cover Colby Donovan towards the end.
Duran said: 'I'm happy. Everyone knows that I'm a striker but I'm always going to be willing to play where the coach and the team need me. I'll always give my best. Since I arrived, the coaches and the other players have helped me in the best way. That has helped me to adapt more easily and it's been reflected in what I have done on the pitch.'
Settling into Life in Glasgow
Duran is just as happy off the pitch as he is on it. His loved ones watched on from the stands as he tore LASK apart. He's also throwing himself into English lessons as he continues to settle into life in Scotland. Communicating through his interpreter, Duran said: 'Everyone back home knows about these games and how important they are for us. My family, my parents and my wife [Valentina] were here with my daughter [Emily]. I just want to go up and give them a hug now. It has been a truly incredible night.'
Duran added: 'My family is already happy here in Glasgow. If they're happy, I'm happy. That's why I'm so happy on the pitch right now. How are my English lessons going? It's getting better, little by little. I'm getting better and I know I'll soon be speaking English. Hopefully soon we will be doing the interview in English!'
