GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Celtic's Junior Adamu scores to make it 1-1 during a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Fifth Round match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park, on February 07, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Junior Adamu will have a very unique place in Celtic’s history.
Probably alongside Tomas Cvancara as the incredible 25/26 season is recalled in years to come.
Neither player got near the squad for the 3-1 victory over Dunfermline but the hoops wouldn’t have been at Hampden if it hadn’t been for those two January arrivals.
Cvancara tucked away the decisive penalty at Ibrox as an under strength Celtic side reached the semi-finals.
O’Neill’s side wouldn’t have been at Ibrox if it wasn’t for a moment of brilliance from Junior Adamu.
The fifth round tie at home to Dundee was a grim affair.
A half full Celtic Park for a Saturday evening kick-off in February isn’t the most appealing. It isn’t the image portrayed during transfer negotiations.
AN UNEXPECTED CELTIC HERO EMERGES
Dundee led Celtic 1-0, an injury to Kieran Tierney resulted in five minutes of stoppage time being played.
Adamu replaced Cvancara in the 79th minute. In the fifth minute of stoppage time a flick of his heel produced the equalising goal.
Moments like that pave the way for trophy celebrations in May.
11 minutes 15 seconds O’Neill calls out Adamu.
Two minutes into extra-time Sebastian Tounekti scored the goal that saw off Dundee. Celtic were Hampden bound, via Ibrox and on course for an unexpected domestic double.
Adamu started three Celtic matches and came off the bench three times. He last appeared in the 2-0 defeat away to Dundee United on March 22.
Despite all that he has his place in the unlikely story of season 26/27.
Now he will return to Freiburg, the runners up in the Europa League unsure of his future. Just like Celtic and the manager that signed him.
Throughout his various media duties around Hampden there was no definitive word from O’Neill on his future.
Celtic have been on the look out for a manager since January 5, no concrete news has leaked out of the club. CEO Michael Nicholson hasn’t spoken to Celtic TV since sacking Wilfried Nancy.
It should be a summer of intrigue at Celtic, almost certainly without Adamu.
Nice touch by a nice auld gentleman – St.Martin !