After racing into the crowd with his Celtic shirt left on the pitch Liel Abada kept his emotions to himself.
The winger with an eye for goal signed 2021 off with a double away to St Johnstone to take his total for the season into double figures.
On Saturday he scored what could be a priceless goal against Dundee United, the most significant goal of 2022 so far, a 90th minute strike that sets the scene for Wednesday’s Glasgow derby.
Abada’s excitement was obvious, his team-mates celebrated just as much but so far in his Celtic career the 20-year-old has kept his thoughts to himself with just a couple of in-house social media sessions to share with supporters.
Giving an insight into Saturday’s hero, Greg Taylor told the Daily Record:
Liel’s really a quiet lad who’s done really well ever since he’s come over. He’s not shy, just a quiet young lad who’s trying to improve every day, like we all are.
Liel’s been guided along well by Niro Bitton and I know he’s very grateful to have someone in the dressing room who’s come from the same country but we’ll try to help each other here, we’ve got a really good group.
Coming to a club this size, it does take time to adapt and to settle and we’ve seen that with a lot of players down the years.
But you look at Liel. He scored in Europe in his first game and he’s really taken to the team and to the club. His numbers for someone so young are top drawer.
The gaffer’s big on the opposite winger being in the middle of the goals when balls are coming across because so many goals are scored in there and Liel’s so good at that side of things.
He’s had a lot of big moments so far this season and this was another one. He has a real talent for sniffing out goals like that and he took it really well.
As well as chipping in with a dozen goals Abada has steered clear of injury which is something of a rarity in this season’s Celtic squad.
On Wednesday night there is a decent argument to be made for playing him through the centre but it won’t be until 6.30 pm on Wednesday that Ange Postecoglou’s team news will be known.
?? “This is a huge club and it’s an honour to sign for Celtic. I know the fans are incredible. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch to play and help my teammates bring more success to the club.”
Exclusive @CelticTV interview with our new 1?1?, Liel Abada ???#WelcomeAbada ? pic.twitter.com/1yHyCixe6L
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 15, 2021
For me something beyond ability on the pitch stands out in Ange’s recruitment it’s the fact he’s assembled a bunch of fantastic people! Look at how they are with each other… That’s a team. Look at their interactions with fans … How they speak to the media… How they handle themselves in private (no nonsense/negative headlines)… Look at say Soro or McCarthy any grumbles being sidelined? Probs are but self contained… Even those out the pictures… Barkas say all quiet … The manager is quite incredible and I’ve not even mentioned the revival of his assistants !!
Can’t believe ref booked Liel for celebrating with fans after such an important goal, the adrenalin rush must have been massive for the young man.