Neil Lennon has described the partnership between Tony Watt and Gary Hooper as sensational.
Hooper looked much more like himself in the 4-2 win over Inverness Caley Thistle with Watt grabbing the headlines with an impressive double.
The movement and understanding of the front two caused the home defence all sorts of bother with Lennon delighted by their display.
“They were sensational,” the Celtic boss admitted. “Tony gives us something a little bit different. He is prepared to go in behind, has a physical presence, and is prepared to run at people. He does a lot of unselfish running.
“He was a real handful for two pretty strong centre-halves today. Gary just kept going into the pockets and picking up the ball deep and starting a lot of attacks off. I’m really, really pleased with their performances.”
Celtic face Helsingborgs in a Champions League qualifier on Wednesday with Lennon admitting that Watt has played his way into contention.
“He has given himself a good chance,” the hoops boss added. “But it’s such a huge game to throw a rookie in there. I don’t know, I’ll think about it, but I have an idea what the team will be.”
After the demanding first leg in Sweden Lennon was pleased with the way that his squad took care of Terry Butcher’s side.
He added: “It was a great performance, from start to almost finish. I can’t ask for any more of the team, they were superb from the first whistle.
“The two young lads who came into the team did exceptionally well. The two front-men dovetailed very well together and Twardzik and Wanyama were excellent in midfield.
“And the senior boys who played on Tuesday were very solid. To score four goals here at any time is very pleasing but to do it in these circumstances is remarkable really.”
CLICK HERE for Levein- I’ve got eight players ahead of Commons
Follow Video Celts on Twitter and Facebook
Just keep playing tony watt and lets see if he can do it over a season it’s the only way but he looks a cracker.
There’s no pressure this season in the league so lets get the bhoy’s who have been doing it in the 19s/development squad in and see if they have it. the future is very bright indeed HAIL HAIL
Someone who truly links up with Hooper and works as a partnership. Also made a difference giving the strikers some decent quality service, balls played short into feet or deliberately played into channels where they could do something.
In midweek, Hooper was never given a single opportunity to get a shot at goal. Sammy plays best as a lone striker with plenty of support..but we are already ahead and should take the game by the throat…I’d start with Hoops & young Tony keep Helsingborg pinned down.
Sammy plays best as a WHAT? Strikers score goals He doesnt-ok once or twice every few months.Get rid and play real footballers that dont fall down or run the wrong way!
Certainly no-one could argue if he was given the nod on Wednesday, or for any other game. He seems level-headed too as his interview after the game bore testimony to. Do your talking on the park.
What a gem we seem to have unearthed. Who thought something this positive could ever have come out of Airdrie?
looked like an accomplished experienced player, a real stand out and excellent prospect for the not to distant future…. looking forward to seeing much more of this lad and twardic
The thing that stood out for me regards watt was his energy and work rate! He chased every ball and harassed defenders! Too often I see our players giving up easily or not bothering in the first place to chase balls or close people down!