Celtic-linked Elijah Just has spoken about his excitement at working under new Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson as his future continues to attract attention.
The New Zealand international is currently away at the World Cup, where he has been representing both his country and Motherwell on a major stage.
Just has been linked with Celtic in recent months, with the winger’s performances for club and country keeping him firmly on the radar. But while transfer talk continues in the background, the 25-year-old has been speaking positively about returning to Fir Park and seeing what changes Johansson brings.
Speaking to RNZ’s Morning Report, Just said: “A lot of the boys, they’ve just started pre-season. We’ve got a new coach, so on that hand I’m also excited to head back and see what kind of changes are being brought in.
“We’ve got some exciting fixtures coming up to qualify for the Conference League.
“Motherwell have supported me and they are also proud and want to put me forward and I’m representing the club a little bit as the only member who’s playing at the World Cup.”
It is a sensible message from Just at a time when his name is still being mentioned in transfer circles.
Motherwell have made it clear they rate him highly, and Johansson has already spoken about the winger remaining a Motherwell player while he focuses on New Zealand duty. The new manager will no doubt want the chance to work with him properly when he returns from the World Cup.
The question is whether Celtic decide to act. There has been plenty of noise around wide players this summer, with Martin O’Neill expected to reshape that area of the squad before the new campaign.
Just’s comments do not sound like a player trying to force anything. Instead, he is giving Motherwell respect, acknowledging their support and looking ahead to European qualifiers.
That does not end the transfer discussion, though. If Celtic or any other club are serious, Motherwell will have a decision to make. For now, Just remains focused on New Zealand, Motherwell and a return to pre-season under a new manager.
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