Junior Adamu was handed a start against Stuttgart in midweek and, despite Celtic’s Europa League exit, the Austrian striker left a positive impression.
Adamu showed some neat touches, linked the play well and looked a more rounded option than Tomas Cvancara during his time on the pitch.
He was withdrawn just after the hour mark, which did suggest that he is still being managed carefully in terms of minutes, but it was another encouraging step as he builds fitness and sharpness.
With attention now turning fully to Sunday’s derby, the 24-year-old will be hoping his display did enough to convince Celtic boss Martin O’Neill to give him the nod again.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Ibrox, Adamu admitted he has quickly grasped just how much the fixture means in Scotland and to the supporters.
Adamu said [TCW]: “Everyone in the country can feel the tension for the game.
“It’s crazy here. The focus is entirely on the championship title, which is the most important thing for the fans and the club.
“People here live for football. We’re not allowed to wear anything blue anyway, so I left all my blue clothes in Freiburg!
“The atmosphere will be incredible. If you score a goal in this game, you’re the king.
“I am enjoying it here, although when someone tells a story with a Scottish accent, you have to be mentally prepared!
“I scored a back heel goal against Dundee which I had been doing in training sessions. It felt like when I scored against Bayern Munich in the Champions League for Salzburg. The fans were practically running onto the pitch.
“I haven’t played in every game, but it’s difficult for the coach right now, too because he’s trying to find the right starting lineup.”
Whether Adamu starts or not against Rangers, his comments show a player relishing the occasion and fully aware of what a decisive moment in a Glasgow derby could mean.
It’s a massive game for Celtic tomorrow. They need a win to keep their title hopes alive.
It already feels like a tough fightback, but three points over Rangers, and the boost that comes with that could be massive by the time the end of the season is around.
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