Martin O’Neill believes Camilo Duran can become a major player for Celtic after the Colombian scored on his debut against Sporting CP.
The forward closed down Eduardo Quaresma inside the Sporting penalty area, won possession and finished through the goalkeeper’s legs to bring Celtic level.
Sporting responded by scoring three late goals, but Duran’s performance gave O’Neill one clear positive to take from the match.
The Celtic manager was particularly impressed by the new signing’s willingness to chase defenders and force mistakes.
Speaking to the Daily Record, O’Neill said: “I said, ‘this is Daizen Maeda the second’!
“I do think he’ll be a proper player, not just because he closed down and scored the goal.
“He does like to press, absolutely.”
The comparison with Maeda will immediately catch the attention of Celtic supporters.
Maeda’s speed, movement and relentless pressure have made him one of the most difficult players to replace in the current squad.
Duran’s first goal for the club came from similar work, with the striker refusing to give up on what initially looked like a comfortable situation for the Sporting defence.
He was rewarded for that effort and showed the kind of energy O’Neill wants from his attacking players.
The manager also felt Duran could have enjoyed more success during his time on the pitch.
O’Neill added: “He scored and there were a couple of moments that didn’t quite bounce his way.
“I think he’ll be really decent for us, I genuinely do.”
Duran only joined Celtic shortly before the match and had already missed a training session through illness.
That made his involvement against Sporting uncertain, but he recovered in time to be introduced during the second half.
His goal was an encouraging start after Celtic moved to bring him in as their first signing of the summer.
O’Neill previously revealed that the club had been monitoring the forward since April, meaning the deal was not a late or rushed decision.
There will be tougher tests ahead, and one pre-season goal will not decide how successful Duran becomes in Glasgow.
However, his first appearance offered an early look at the qualities Celtic believe he can bring.
His pressing created the goal, while his movement caused Sporting problems during a difficult second half for O’Neill’s side.
The final score was disappointing, but Duran could hardly have asked for a better personal introduction.
O’Neill’s “Daizen Maeda the second” comment also gives supporters a clear idea of the type of forward Celtic have signed.
The manager now hopes the debut goal is the first sign of what Duran can produce once he is fully fit and settled into the squad.
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